Others were playing (are playing), but the team was still learning how to play together, and they had some rough sets and games.

If you watched the LMU game and then the Stoney Brook game (the first half of set #1), you would have seen the same tentative group, trying but not really figuring it out (and the score reflected their issues). Then all of a sudden like a switch, the girls just started playing, and that's when they started scoring in runs (points in bunches), blocking, and passing/setting better. Ever since half-way through that first set, it has been a different team, and I wasn't concerned that they would play well after that. I'm so glad they got it figured out, that was painful to watch until then.

In spite of the fact that Haddock (OH) has been playing a ton over the years, she was rather quiet this year (re-watched the NCAA matches last year on youtube and prior years — she plays a lot) because of the rotation and insertion of Gneiting, etc. I think she was the odd-one out. She has a ton of experience, especially in the tournament, so that doesn't worry me; and she can really jump, just like her sister. Additionally, Robinson is a very talented freshmen, and Gneiting has played a little on the outside as well (watching her be an OH the past few games in places is interesting — she's very good, but not as good as in the middle; btw, love her on the slide, she can really bring it there). I still can't believe they're both Freshmen; they do not play like it at all (Robinson has a cannon of an arm, just like RJP — must be taking notes in practice). It's been a replacement of Miller by committee, and it's taken a little while for the team to learn how to work together again. However, the talent and experience is definitely there.

BTW, how about our middles!!! Both Eschenberg and Gneiting have been on fire since the LMU game where they both were sleep-walking. When our middles play well, our pin-hitters have life so much easier. Kudos to Haddock-Eppich for continuing to set them, and forcing the opposition to stay in the middle (thus freeing up the outsides for better one-on-one opportunities).

I love how we are not intimidated at all by the opposition ... we can hang with anyone (and win in convincing fashion) when our middles are performing like they have been lately).

Stanford scares me. They are very good. Well coached. Great athletes. Our girls have to be on top of their game (we don't have Miller this time: 15 kills, 2 digs — top point getter behind RJP in that match; her hitting % was only .154, so she had to work for her kills against the Stanford front line). I think the match earlier in the year shocked Stanford at how good BYU actually was (we fell asleep at the wheel during sets 3 and 4 thinking we had the match and almost lost it). They won't be caught off guard this time; and neither will BYU.

Should be a great match. Coach will have them ready.