I got home late, and Reader R.A. had already submitted his report, so let’s go with that. I’ll have more to say in a “Dial Classic” roundup after Sunday’s match.
R.A.’s report: When I saw S. Florida small team, I thought 3-0. My seatmate — very knowledgeable told me they took Purdue to 5 sets … but we swept them anyway, 3-0. 25-13, 25-13, 25-19. Set 3 had 5 freshmen (Gilk, Kinney, Taylor, Garr, redshirt Stella.) on the court more than half the time. They played well, which is very encouraging for now and next two seasons. But they are freshmen, which is why SF got 19 pts in Set 3. still 3-0.
Key takeaways:
- Serving has gotten much better. No box score yet, but we got several aces, probably fewer SE for a change, plus our very good drop serves by several players kept them out of system.
- We hit around .350 to their -.100 or so.
- After a slow start, where Hanson hit right into defenders, she adjusted and, I believe, led with 7 or 8 kills.
- Acevedo had a very good match, about 6 kills, good hitting and improved receives, plus 2 aces and difficult serves that led to solid runs. She played like a starter.
- Crowl started with her typical soft dinks over the net, but mid-S2 started hitting HARD for a change. Got 5K and 2-3 good blocks at the net. Team outblocked around 11-3.