In straight sets, 25-22, 25- 15, 25-11, out-blocking Iowa 14 to 3. Seven blocks in 3 sets would be strong blocking, 14 is amazing. The Gopher website has Landfair with 8 of them, but I had her with 4, and Gros with 5. I had Landfair with 13 kills, including 8 left-side power kills, 3 back-row power kills, 2 short-dinks and 1 “long-dink” i.e., a push to the deep left corner. I had Wenaas with 8 kills, including power-shots from both pins and at least 3 off-speed shots, not exactly dinks, but finesse shots that catch the opponents off guard.
And speaking of versatility, I had Naya Gros with 5 kills, including 2 slides, 2 quicks, and 1 overpass to go with her 5 blocks. Booth did not make the trip to Iowa (not sure why), but Husemann performed well, with 3 blocks and 2 kills. For the 2nd time recently, Landfair served a ton of points, this time behind a front-row of Wooker, Husemann and Shaffmaster. I thought the Gophers dug well all night. They did have trouble with a few of Iowa’s very short serves.
I still haven’t gotten past the shock of McCutcheon’s revealed departure. (He’ll leave 17 & 0 against Iowa.) Interesting that he has gotten more ink in the Strib in the last two days than in the last two years when he was merely a great coach. Also interesting that McCutcheon is keeping his intentions secret so as “to keep the focus on the team,” but the mystery is keeping the focus on McCutcheon.
(Maureen has a theory, as good as any theory I have, that McCutcheon or an immediate family member has a serious health problem.)
As I write this, I am watching Nebraska dominate Purdue at Purdue – the Huskers must be really good.
NEXT UP: Purdue at the Pav, Saturday, 8:00, BTN.