The Gophs beat Michigan State in straight sets, rematch tomorrow. In some sense, the biggest surprise is that there were no surprises:
- In the first set, the Gophs traded side-outs with the Spartans until 13-13, and then pulled away. In the second set, the Spartans held a substantial lead for most of the set, but couldn’t finish, allowing the Gophers to pull out a dramatic come-from-behind win. And in the third set, the Spartans fell apart.
- Remember, Michigan State is a good volleyball team, easily one of the top 50 teams in the country.
- Be happy that the Gophs won the match, and hope that they can repeat the feat tomorrow, even if they should drop a set.
- The starting line-up was exactly the one I predicted, a 5-1 including newcomers Shaffmaster, Landfair and Myers complementing returners Samedy, Pittman, Rollins, McGraw and Kilkelly. Leaving the talented players like Wenaas, Miyabe and Rubright on the bench (to start the game).
- Shaffmaster is huge! She is listed at 6-3, but she looked (on TV) taller than Pittman who is listed at 6-5. And broader shoulders too. I think she’s bigger than I am (minus the belly, of course).
- Landfair didn’t disappoint either; she’s 6-5 with a major vertical and a powerful swing.
- And Samedy, Pittman, Rollins, McGraw and Kilkelly all played well, as they had all last season. (A Final Four Season.)
The only surprise came during the second set when the Gophs were struggling. After a time-out, McCutcheon switched to a 6-2, bringing Miyabe in to play front-row for Shaffmaster, while McMenimen replaced Samedy in the back row and handled the setting. Super-sub Miyabe provided the “spark” we are accustomed to seeing from her, and McMenimen delivered her usual workmanlike performance. This “coaching move,” while surprising to me, turned around what appeared to be a lost set.