vballfan

Makes sense. Seems like ND is always up and ready for big games and SHA cant always say the same (might be a reflection on the coaches and how they prepare their teams). You would think both would be ready to go based on the rematch from last years state tourney. Ball control is going to be huge in this one.

Probably the biggest match this season to date of in state KY teams... Mt. Notre Dame didn't provide a challenge for the Pandas, can SHA? ...any predictions?

Both ND and SHA play very touch schedules. Both go to Chicago and play in the LVIT which are very tough tournaments. SHA also goes to Vegas to play a lot of talent from California and the rest of the west. Will there be losses for all teams, most likely, but when and where will they are will be key to how the season plays out. Who can peak at the right time and manage the "big games" on their schedule to the best of their ability. I was at the Mercy vs SHA game Sunday... Yes, there were lots of errors, but many were forced by the other team. Both teams looked out of sorts but that will happen in an early season rivalry play. I think SHA has the far higher ceiling. It was strange watching Mercy with nearly everybody on the court was different due to last years graduation (minus Elmore the setter). SHA will be doing another different schedule Thursday. JV @ 5:30, Varsity @ 6:30, Freshman following. I like this idea as I think it would help crowds arrive early enough for JV and stay around after for freshman. Sundays arrangement also allowed some players that are varsity players but underclassman to play JV and get more playing time and experience (not to mention raise the level of the JV game). Nothing wrong with trying to be innovative and help the sport.

Should be a very good matchup of two of the top teams in the state and nation. Two players from the USA World Youth Silver Medal winning team go head to head. My thoughts... Hentz is definitely the best player on the court, especially because of her ability to change the game both offensively and defensively. NDA should be able to control the court with ball control, but can they find enough offense? They have not been tested in two early matches but will be ready to go after playing Mt. Notre Dame tonight. Will fatigue be an issue after the MND game and traveling to Louisville? I think SHA has a slight edge at setter with Zwiebel and more options for her to give it to with Hammons and the rest of the crew. Main question is can SHA make enough blocks and enough defensive plays? They handled the Mercy match pretty well and uncharacteristically for a SHA team (usually fold in early season big matches vs the other catholic schools). Maybe its who makes the least number of errors that wins when it comes to these two fairly evenly matched teams battling it out. Who wins? My prediction is SHA in 5 (due to a home crowd advantage) Maybe a state rematch for later this season? Thoughts?

what national rankings are we looking at here? PrepVolleyball would be the only one I consider close to accurate. MaxPreps is very biased by inflated records by beating up on sub-par competition. It doesnt help that KY has a 35 match limit when states like TN, TX, or CA can play 50+ in a season. That aside, the next stretch for NDA looks daunting, and they will be tested early. Hopefully they respond well to any adversity they face.

And FYI - Morgan is that good (she is always a step ahead) but dont forget she had a teammate on that 12 person USA Volleyball Youth team that is Paige Hammons from Sacred Heart, also a difference maker. 1/6 of the youth national team is from KY, pretty impressive feat for KY Volleyball if I do say so myself.

I would agree. It's NDAs region to lose (and it would take a series of unfortunate events for that to happen. Its a shame we can't see a state tournament with NDA, Assumption, Sacred Heart, and Mercy. Either way, 3 out of the 4 will still provide for drama. Hopefully the (terrible) blind draw is better than last year and we can get some good semi matchups.

PS - How can Sacred Heart and NDA take it all? There is only one state champ crowned in KY. Make your pick.

What people are not saying is that Mercy lost a ton last year. When you lose the state player of the year, your libero, a legit D1 middle, one of your setters, and your L2, you are going to have some ground to make up. It's not always as easy to just "re-load" I hope Coach Thomerson can turn it around because he is in a tough spot, if he wins, he won with Todd's players, if he loses, he isnt a good coach.

Is anybody really surprised by this? After her troubles in high school, I would imagine that the college scene would provide difficult for her to navigate. Hopefully she can right the ship and turn things around to salvage her career and more importantly, her education to set her up for the future.