VolleyMob

USC Men’s Volleyball Bringing on Five Man Class for 2018-2019

The USC men’s volleyball team recently announced adding three more signings to its 2018 recruiting class, bringing the group up to five players. The class will join the program for the fall of 2018, with their inaugural season coming in the winter/spring of 2019.

The quintet of players currently signed for USC now are setter Jameson McKibbin, outside hitters Brandon Browning and Izac Carracher, middle blocker Liam Schroeder and outside hitter/libero Dylan Lange. The three newest additions are Carracher, Schroeder and Lange.

Carracher gives USC a newcomer from overseas, as the 6’6″ outside hitter is from Australia. He participated in the Australian Volleyball League with the Sydney Warriors. Carracher sported the Australian jersey in the international U17 and U19 indoor contests in 2016. Additionally, he played beach volleyball and earned a bronze at the 2017 Australia Junior Beach Volleyball U19 championships. He will join a group of six outside hitters set to return for USC from 2018.

Adding to the class is 6’7″ middle Schroeder, who comes from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and chose USC over the likes of Ohio State. At Marquette University High, he earned All-State first team in his final two years and set the state record for blocks in a season when he won the state title as a senior. His Hudl profile with video of his play can be seen here. Schroeder also becomes one of five middle blockers on the 2019 USC roster (assuming all four set to return come back).

Rounding out the new trio is 6’3″ outside hitter and libero Dylan Lange. An attendee of Hart High School in California, Lange was an All-Foothill League first-team performer. As the team captain in 2017 and 2018, Lange pushed the Indians to its first-ever CIF playoff match victory. Lange will give the program a fourth that can play libero.

“We are delighted to welcome these talented young players to our program,” USC head coach Jeff Nygaard said in the team’s release about the newest three signings.  “Izac brings an international mentality and skill set to our team, and he has the right kind of priorities to help us.  Liam is a natural blocker and a physical presence at the net, plus he has strong leadership qualities.  Dylan is a well-rounded athlete who fits our style of play and his ability to play multiple positions will help our program.”

A 6’3″ native of Honolulu, Hawaii, McKibbin joins the program from Punahou School and was one of the two winter signings for the Trojans. With the school he won the 2017 Hawaii Division I state championship as a member of the All-Tournament Team. He also played beach volleyball. His Hudl recruiting profile can be seen here.

Browning was the other early recruit for USC that signed in November. He is a 6’6″ outside hitter who was All-Pacific League first team as a junior at Corona del Mar High School. His play continued with the USA Volleyball Boys Youth National Team, where he started in the 2017 FIVB U19 World Championship and earned a silver at the 2016 NORCECA U19 Continental Championship.

USC finished the 2018 season at 8-20 overall and 3-7 playing in the MPSF, ending their season in the league’s postseason tournament semifinals. They graduate just two seniors from the roster in setter Gert Lisha (18 starts, team-high 8.10 assists per set) and opposite Jon Rivera (three starts, 0.52 kills, 0.43 digs per set).

We are 12 weeks away from the first week of the 2018 Division I women’s volleyball season. With that being said, it’s time for VolleyMob’s Way-Too-Early 2018 Preseason Top 25.

Since these rankings are early and we don’t necessarily have the full picture in terms of recruiting and transfers still to come, most of this is based on experience and starters returning. As we move closer to the fall, we will update our rankings as needed. Until then, we will release five teams at a time this week, leading to the culmination of #1-5 on Friday.

11. ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Sweet 16, #20 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 23-11 (12-8 Big Ten)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 6
  • Key Returners: MB Ali Bastianelli (2017 AVCA Third-Team AA), S Jordyn Poulter (2017 AVCA Third-Team AA), OH Megan Cooney (2017 Big Ten Freshman Team)
  • Key Losses: L Brandi Donnelly (2016 AVCA All-America HM)
  • Bottom Line: The rugged Big Ten has shown favor to experienced-laden teams. For instance look no further to last year with Nebraska, Penn State and Michigan State making runs in the NCAA Tournament. Illinois could be like the Spartans this year as a Big Ten dark horse after last season they had just one senior on the roster compared to nine freshman. They also had three juniors and three sophomores. Unfortunately, the one senior lost was Donnelly, who missed the award stage after missing matches with injury. Her team-best 4.44 digs per set were vital though. They also lose their second best blocker in middle Tyanna Omazic to transfer. Still, with so much returning and a strong end to 2017, the Fighting Illini are a team to watch in 2018.

12. UCLA BRUINS

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Sweet 16, #15 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 21-11 (12-8 Pac-12)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 4 + Libero
  • Key Returners: MB Madeleine Gates (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA), L Zana Muno (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Mac May (2017 Pac-12 Freshman Team & HM), OH Jenny Mosser (2017 Pac-12 Freshman Team)
  • Key Losses: S Sarah Sponcil (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Reily Buechler (2017 Pac-12 First-Team)
  • Bottom Line: The Bruins lost several impact performers heading into 2017 after making the Elite Eight in 2016, but re-tooled with a strong freshman class and a big transfer addition. That transfer, Sponcil, was great in a position change to setter and helped push the Bruins back to the Sweet 16. They’ll have a hole to fill at that same spot now and also lose Buechler, but have plenty of options back at the front of the net to pair with Muno in the back. The combination of the returning talent should make for a better UCLA in 2018 as the battle between the Los Angeles schools could determine a top-two finish in another loaded version of the Pac-12.

13. OREGON DUCKS

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, RV in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 18-12 (10-10 Pac-12)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 5*
  • Key Returners: MB Ronika Stone (2017 All-Pac-12 First Team), OH Jolie Rasmussen (2017 Pac-12 HM), OH Lindsey Vander Weide (2017 Pac-12 HM)
  • Key Losses: RS Taylor Agost (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
  • Bottom Line: Oregon had a rough end to 2017, but the start showed some of the potential they have when they upended Nebraska. They go through some losses, but a big core of the team progresses to pair with a yet another strong recruiting class. Pegging the amount of returning starters is difficult because they had eight players log 13 or more starts. Of that group, six players return. Seven of the eight started more than half of the team’s matches and five of those return. If you just take the top six for matches started, five are back as well. Regardless of the number, they’re on pace to have eight upperclassmen to mix with the new faces, giving them a high ceiling for 2018.

14. WASHINGTON HUSKIES

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, #13 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 25-8 (14-6 Pac-12)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 1+*
  • Key Returners: MB Lauren Sanders (2017 Pac-12 Freshman Team)
  • Key Losses: RS Carly DeHoog (2017 AVCA Third-Team AA), L Tia Scambray (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Courtney Schwan (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Crissy Jones (2017 Pac-12 HM), S Bailey Tanner (2017 Pac-12 HM)
  • Bottom Line: The number of returning starters is complicated for Washington, who with a rash of injuries had 11 players start eight or more matches. That makes things difficult in distinguishing who to count as a returning starter, but if you base it on the top six then just one returns in Sanders (who tied for the team-lead with 32 starts). Again though, Shayne McPherson, Kara Bajema, Destiny Julye and Avie Niece combined for 38 starts and all return, so realistically its a much more experienced team than that ‘one starter’ indicates. A big-time recruiting class in 2018 joins the group along with Maryland transfer Samantha Dreschel, creating a talented but challenging group of players for Keegan Cook to coach up.

15. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, RV in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 21-12 (11-9 Big Ten)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 4 + Libero
  • Key Returners: OH Carly Skjodt (2017 AVCA Third-Team All-American)
  • Key Losses: MB Claire Kieffer-Wright (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
  • Bottom Line: Michigan began 2017 ranked, hit a rut in the middle and didn’t recover until season’s end when they won five straight including three over ranked opponents. There will still be questions if it was just a hot finish as opposed to turning the corner, especially when adding in the loss of Kieffer-Wright. However, the combination of Skjodt, other solid returners like Cori Crocker (2.07 kills per set, .313, 0.96 blocks per set) and company paired with a solid recruiting class and transfer MB/RS Katarina Glavinic gives the Wolverines big aspirations in 2018.

2012 Olympic Gold-Medalist Alexander Volkov has decided to re-sign with Zenit St. Petersburg for his next club season in 2018-2019. Volkov originally joined the club in 2017.

A 33-year-old (who turns 34 next February) middle blocker, Volkov stands at 6’11” with an 11’0″ block touch and 11’10” approach jump.

The Moscow native has been with the Russian National Team since 2004, collecting golds at the 2012 London Olympics, 2011 World Cup and 2011 World League. He also also helped the country earn seven other silver or bronze medals throughout tournaments in his time with Team Russia. At one of those events – the 2009 CEV European Championship – he earned the Best Spiker award. Currently (as of week three) he is not with the team for the 2018 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League.

Club wise, this keeps Volkov on his ninth different stop across his seventh team. That all started in 2002 with Dinamo Moscow, where he spent 2002-2004 along with the 2005-2010 and early 2017 seasons. Additionally, Volkov has played with Luch Moscow (2004-2005), Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo (2010-2011), Zenit Kazan (2011-2015), Ural Ufa (2015-2016), Gazprom-Ugra Surgut (2016) in addition to Zenit St. Petersburg (2017-now).

As part of club, Volkov has been with five different teams to earn top three finishes at the CEV Champions League, notably in 2007 with Dinamo Moscow when they won bronze and he earned the Best Blocker award. He also won gold twice at the event with Zenit Kazan in 2011-2012 and 2014-2015.

VC Zenit St. Petersburg was actually just founded in the summer of 2017 more making a move later to acquire Volkov. In their inaugural season, they earned a fifth-place regular season ranking at 17-9 (50 points) before upending Volkov’s former club Dinamo Moscow in the semifinals to earn a second-place finish.

Former Minnesota middle blocker Molly Lohman is transferring to the TCU beach volleyball program for her final season of collegiate eligibility. A recent graduate from the University of Minnesota, Lohman will be immediately eligible for the 2019 beach season.

A native of Mankato, Minnesota, Lohman came to Minnesota in 2014 and played in 51 sets as a true freshman. Her opportunities skyrocketed as a sophomore in 2015 and carried on her final three seasons as she appeared in a pair of Final Fours in her middle two years.

Individually, Lohman earned AVCA All-America Honorable Mention (2016), All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2016) and North Region Honorable Mention (2017) in her time. She finished her career with 536 blocks, good for fifth all-time at Minnesota. She also recorded 658 kills (1.59 per set) on a .356 hitting percentage, 150 digs and 55 aces. In her final season she notched per set numbers of 1.95 kills (.386), 1.35 blocks, 0.59 digs and 0.30 aces.

A 6’3″ middle blocker indoors, Lohman is likely to play the attacker role as a hitter/blocker for her pair.

TCU beach finished the 2018 spring season at 10-22 overall with four seniors on the roster.

We are 12 weeks away from the first week of the 2018 Division I women’s volleyball season. With that being said, it’s time for VolleyMob’s Way-Too-Early 2018 Preseason Top 25.

Since these rankings are early and we don’t necessarily have the full picture in terms of recruiting and transfers still to come, most of this is based on experience and starters returning. As we move closer to the fall, we will update our rankings as needed. Until then, we will release five teams at a time this week, leading to the culmination of #1-5 on Friday.

  • #21-25 (Monday)
  • #16-20 (Below)
  • #11-15 (Wednesday)
  • #6-10 (Thursday)
  • #1-5 (Friday)

16. COLORADO BUFFALOES

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Sweet 16, #16 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 24-10 (12-8 Pac-12)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 4 + Libero
  • Key Returners: OH Alexa Smith (2017 AVCA Second-Team AA), S Brynna Deluzio (2017 AVCA All-America HM), MB Naghede Abu (2017 Pac-12 HM), OH Frankie Shebby (2017 Pac-12 HM)
  • Key Losses: RS Joslyn Hayes (2017 Pac-12 HM)
  • Bottom Line: Colorado should be ready to rock in 2018 after a phenomenal 2017 season. They bring back four starters plus the libero, led by Alexa Smith – a dark horse Pac-12 Player of the Year candidate if the Buffaloes can rise up the standings. They’ll have to overcome the loss of Hayes along with a starting middle blocker and a solid bench option, but the pieces are there for the Buffaloes to be even better in 2018. That especially rings true after they have NCAA Tournament experience and success under their belt from the previous season.

17. CREIGHTON BLUEJAYS

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, #12 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 26-7 (16-2 Big East)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 4* + Libero
  • Key Returners: L Brittany Witt (2017 AVCA All-America HM, Big East LOTY), OH Jaali Winters (2017 Big East First-Team), OH Taryn Kloth (2017 Big East Second-Team)
  • Key Losses: S Lydia Dimke (2017 AVCA All-America HM), MB Marysa Wilkinson (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
  • Bottom Line: Technicaly Creighton only returns three starters if you base it on who started at least half of the matches, but the semi-starter they lose in Kenzie Crawford (12 starts) is replaced by Alexa Roumeliottis (14 starts) and Kloth (eight starts). The biggest loss comes at setter with Dimke, Crawford (who could fill in) and Jaclyn Taylor (transferring to Omaha) gone. They did get a tad bit of experience playing when Dimke was injured though as Samantha Bohnet was the team’s leader in assists during the absence plus the BlueJays add Rutgers transfer Megan Sharkey and Marshall transfer Madelyn Cole. That’ll be crucial with all the success they’ve had over the last two years as they struggled in the matches without Dimke.

18. BAYLOR BEARS

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, #17 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 24-7 (13-3 Big 12)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 4
  • Key Returners: MB Shelly Fanning (2017 AVCA All-America HM), S Hannah Lockin (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Yossiana Pressley (2017 AVCA All-America HM, Big 12 FOTY), OH Aniah Philo (2017 Big 12 Second-Team)
  • Key Losses: OH Katie Staiger (2017 Big 12 First-Team, 2016 AVCA Second-Team AA)
  • Bottom Line: The Bears are coming off their best season in program history as they earned a spot hosting in the NCAA Tournament before getting upended in the second round. Who knows what the result would have been had Katie Staiger been healthy all season, but on the bright side that may have helped develop some of their young talent for 2018 such as Yossiana Pressley. Bringing on another dynamic pin player in Maryland transfer Gia Milana should help too. They’ll have to overcome the loss of libero Jana Brusek as well, but Baylor should be the favorite to come in second of the Big 12.

19. PITTSBURGH PANTHERS

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, RV in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 26-7 (18-2 ACC)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 6 + Libero
  • Key Returners: RS Nika Markovic (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Stephanie Williams (2017 AVCA All-America HM), S Kamalani Akeo (2017 All-ACC First Team), OH Kayla Lund (2017 ACC Freshman Team), MB/RS Chinaza Ndee (2017 ACC Freshman Team)
  • Key Losses: None with award recognition
  • Bottom Line: The Panthers enjoyed a phenomenal season as they built on 2016 success with an even better 2017. The Co-ACC Champions won an NCAA Tournament match and even played Penn State tight before bowing out. 2018 might be the pinnacle of the last three years for the program, as they return all of their starters. That should make them the preseason ACC favorites and give them a shot at hosting in the opening rounds.

20. NORTHERN IOWA PANTHERS

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, RV in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 27-9 (15-3 MVC)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 5 + Libero
  • Key Returners: OH Karlie Taylor (2017 AVCA All-America HM), MB Piper Thomas (2017 AVCA All-America HM), OH Bri Weber (2017 MVC First-Team), OH Jaydlin Seehase (2017 MVC Freshman Team)
  • Key Losses: S Heather Hook (2017 AVCA All-America HM, MVC Setter of the Year)
  • Bottom Line: The Panthers have been one of the top ‘mid-major’ schools of late, and really emerged on the scene in 2017 with highlight wins over Nebraska, Iowa State, Missouri and USC. They have all but one starter back in looking for more in 2018 too. Unfortunately that one starter was their all-everything setter Heather Hook, but if they can fill the role they should have a smooth ride to an MVC title.

Montreat College in the NAIA classification has landed a Division I women’s volleyball transfer in Katie Stanton from Gardner Webb. A sophomore for the upcoming season, Stanton will be immediately eligible for the fall of 2018.

“I chose Montreat because I really like Coach Kamer’s coaching style, the girls are great, and I love the atmosphere that Montreat has,” Stanton said in Montreat College’s story of the transfer. “It is a place where I can see myself not only growing as a person and becoming a productive person in society, but also growing in my faith as a Christian.”

A 6’0″ outside hitter, Stanton came to Gardner Webb out of Newnan, Georgia where she attended Northgate High School. At the school, she logged nearly 700 career kills on a .321 mark. She was also a part of the Tsunami Volleyball Club.

“Katie will be able to bring depth as a hitter for us at the pin. When she joined us for a visit she fit right with the girls,” Montreat College head coach Kristy Kamer said in the team’s release of the addition. “We can’t wait to watch her grow on and off the court not only in her faith, but in her ability to be a true servant leader.”

A member of the NAIA and Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), Montreat College finished the 2017 season at 14-14 overall and 10-8 in league action. The Cavaliers had eight players who could fill the outside hitter role last year, but three graduated to open up some spots for Stanton.

Georgia Tech has landed former Purdue setter Lexi Dorn via transfer for 2018. A junior come the fall of 2018, Dorn will have two years left of play and will be immediately eligible for the Yellow Jackets.

A native of San Diego, California, Dorn came to Purdue as a top 250 recruit according to PrepVolleyball. The 6’0″ setter then saw action in seven matches in 2016 as a true freshman, logging four assists and two digs. The appearances slightly rose in 2017 as a sophomore when Dorn appeared in nine matches and recorded 11 assists.

“Lexi brings in a high level of experience to our young roster,” Georgia Tech head coach Michelle Collier said in the team’s release of the addition. “She has played volleyball at very high levels and we expect her to be a very positive influence in our group and help us continue to raise our level and our standards.”

The loss leaves Purdue, who is coming off of a 23-10 season in which they went 12-8 as a member of the Big Ten and made the NCAA Tournament’s second round, with two setters currently on their 2018 roster. Of course, they also are going through the departure of starter Ashley Evans, who graduated following 2017.

Georgia Tech finished the 2017 season at 13-18 overall and 8-12 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Their 2017 roster featured just two setters in senior Gabby Benda and Nicole Alford (who transferred), whose departures opens up the position group for Dorn plus any other newcomers to compete for immediate playing time.

2018 FIVB WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL NATIONS LEAGUE – WEEK 3 / POOL 12

  • May 29-31, 2018
  • Hong Kong Coliseum (Capacity: 12,500) | Hong Kong, China
  • Time Zone: UTC + 8
  • World Rankings: #1 China, #6 Japan, #7 Italy, #11 Argentina

Pool 12 features the top team in the world in China along with two near top five teams and a struggling Argentina bunch. The world rankings favor the top three more than they’ve showed in this tournament through six matches though, with China’s 3-3 record the best among all four teams. In total, the group combines for just a 7-17 record. That means the competition should be close and it also means there is a huge opportunity for one team to turn things around by feasting on the others and emerge back in the playoff race – although China is more so getting a test run in pool play since they know they get to host the elimination round and will be a part of it regardless. Beyond the action, this pool features the return of two stars for China and Italy.

Date Time Score Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4 Set 5 Total Report
29 May 18:00 Japan  –  Italy – – – 0–0
29 May 20:30 China  –  Argentina – – – 0–0
30 May 18:00 Argentina  –  Italy – – – 0–0
30 May 20:30 China  –  Japan – – – 0–0
31 May 18:00 Japan  –  Argentina – – – 0–0
31 May 20:30 China  –  Italy – – – 0–0

STANDINGS

As mentioned earlier, the standings aren’t pretty for the four teams in this pool. China tops them all at just 3-3 with 10 points – meanwhile Italy, Japan and Argentina have a combined 13. It makes a bit of sense for the Chinese side though, as they still have enough to remain competitive and draw wins here or there, but aren’t at full force since they can use this for preparation for the elimination round that they are hosting and a part of. They will be closer to that full unit this week, with superstar Zhu Ting back in action, but the extent of how much remains to be seen (more on that later).

Below China is Italy and Japan, who both sit at 2-4. The Italians still have hope because they have the most points for a two-win team and return their own star player in Paola Egonu, while Japan is further down via tiebreaker. Both are still alive, but chasing a host of four and five win teams. That means they each have to have at least a 2-1 week in Pool 12, with a 3-0 week producing a much better result. Essentially if Italy or Japan were to earn a 1-2 week they’d be sitting at 3-6 and in a spot where they would probably have to win out.

Finally, at the bottom of the standings is Argentina, who is just 2-18 in sets played. They are the only nation in the event without a win, but will look to do so as the race to avoid relegation is on.

MATCHES PTS SETS POINTS
Rank Team W L W L Ratio W L Ratio
1  United States 5 1 16 17 4 4.250 510 429 1.189
2  Brazil 5 1 15 16 6 2.667 528 418 1.263
3  Serbia 5 1 15 16 6 2.667 520 469 1.109
4  Turkey 5 1 14 16 6 2.667 512 466 1.099
5  Netherlands 5 1 14 15 6 2.500 503 434 1.159
6  Russia 4 2 12 12 9 1.333 475 462 1.028
7  South Korea 4 2 11 12 9 1.333 481 426 1.129
8  China 3 3 10 12 10 1.200 474 455 1.042
9  Italy 2 4 7 8 12 0.667 424 450 0.942
10  Belgium 2 4 6 8 14 0.571 436 492 0.886
11  Japan 2 4 6 7 13 0.538 421 466 0.903
12  Thailand 2 4 5 9 14 0.643 508 520 0.977
13  Poland 2 4 5 10 16 0.625 557 571 0.975
14  Dominican Republic 1 5 5 8 15 0.533 440 523 0.841
15  Germany 1 5 3 6 16 0.375 455 524 0.868
16  Argentina 0 6 0 2 18 0.111 355 494 0.719

POOL PREVIEW

Not only is China the highest rated team in the pool according to the FIVB World Rankings and the team with the best overall record, but they also have a huge boost with one of, if not the, best players in the world in Zhu Ting returning. We got to see some of the youth and other pieces of China early, and the first six matches without Zhu should add experience and make the rest of the team more well-rounded. Now with Zhu added to the fold and playing at home in a building that holds over 12,000, China will be the favorite in Pool 12.

Of course, Italy and Japan should make things interesting, especially considering they will be playing with desperation knowing that they need a big week to offset a lackluster opening six matches. Even if China were to go 3-0 though, a 2-1 week for either of these teams would be a nice week. That will make the match between Italy and Japan critical for staying near the playoff race. In terms of proximity to home, that would favor Japan, but Italy has been slightly better in the event and gets back Paola Egonu along with a few other reinforcements. That would favor Italy to finish second in the pool, if not first if they can upend China.

We will see what Argentina can provide to the pool. There aren’t many expectations, and it seems likely that they will walk out of the week at 0-9 overall. If they can upend Italy or Japan though, not only would it be key to working up to the other bottom-end teams, but it would also throw a wrench into those plans of Italy or Japan getting back into the top half.

STORIES TO WATCH

  • Argentina  – The South American side has struggled in a block and serve capacity, but they have found a solid three-headed attack offensively. That’s led by Anahi Florencia Tosi, who has a team-best 61 points and 58 spikes. The key will be developing those other options and other facets of the game, which they will continue to work on in Pool 12.
  • China – We promised to return back to the Zhu Ting news that she will be back this week with her national team. After getting a well-deserved rest following a long club season, Zhu should now provide a lift to China. Beyond providing an extra option, she brings a presence defensively and on the block. China has been able to manufacture points with a strong showing from some young faces, but no player is averaging more than 0.36 blocks per set. Zhu should change that, but we will see if China eases her into play slowly this week.
  • Italy – Don’t let the addition of Zhu Ting take up all the news in the this pool, because Italy has made some crucial reinforcements as well. The most notable of the bunch is Paola Egonu, who was second in the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix in scoring. With the addition of her and a few others, Italy is up to eight players from that roster in the 2017 event, compared to just three from their opening week when they went 0-3.
  • Japan – Setters Kanami Tashiro and Koyomi Tominaga have posted solid numbers in leading the Japanese attack and will need to be even better this week in Pool 12. They’ll need Sarina Koga to continue her strong play in attack and find more options to support her if they want to match the roster revivals for China and Italy.

2018 FIVB WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL NATIONS LEAGUE – WEEK 3 / POOL 9

  • May 29-31, 2018
  • Omnisport Apeldoorn (Capacity: 2,000) | Apeldoorn, Netherlands
  • Time Zone: GMT + 2
  • World Rankings: #4 Brazil, #8 Netherlands, #10 South Korea, #22 Poland

Pool 9 features three top 10 teams in the FIVB World Rankings who have not disappointed and gone a combined 14-4 thus far in the Volleyball Nations League. Those three will duel it out with heavy implications on the line in the standings at the top, while Poland looks to steal a match or two as they have done thus far. Considering the Polish side is 2-4 and is the lowest ranked team in the pool, this group has all kinds of balance throughout and should be one of the more competitive.

Date Time Score Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4 Set 5 Total Report
29 May 16:30 South Korea  –  Brazil – – – 0–0
29 May 19:30 Netherlands  –  Poland – – – 0–0
30 May 16:30 Poland  –  Brazil – – – 0–0
30 May 19:30 Netherlands  –  South Korea – – – 0–0
31 May 16:30 South Korea  –  Poland – – – 0–0
31 May 19:30 Netherlands  –  Brazil – – – 0–0

STANDINGS

Brazil has set themselves up nicely, but with an amazing five teams at 5-1, there isn’t much room for error. Of course, another in that quintet is Netherlands, who also sits at 5-1 with their only loss coming to the United States. The Brazilians and the Dutch appear to be the favorites in this pool because of that, with the winner re-affirming their top position.

The loser of the pool could drop to a spot where South Korea is right now – a solid 4-2 record, but in a tough spot to make the elimination round because of the wealth of 5-1 teams and a spot taken away by host China, who sits in eighth. Korea will be looking to make a move this week, as even a 2-1 week would do wonders considering they would get a victory over either Netherlands or Brazil.

Rounding out the standings for teams in the pool is Poland, who sits at 2-4. They will really have to start making a move now, and likely need to win all three matches to keep alive their final round opportunity. More likely is that they can play the role of a spoiler and continue to use this opportunity to grow.

MATCHES PTS SETS POINTS
Rank Team W L W L Ratio W L Ratio
1  United States 5 1 16 17 4 4.250 510 429 1.189
2  Brazil 5 1 15 16 6 2.667 528 418 1.263
3  Serbia 5 1 15 16 6 2.667 520 469 1.109
4  Turkey 5 1 14 16 6 2.667 512 466 1.099
5  Netherlands 5 1 14 15 6 2.500 503 434 1.159
6  Russia 4 2 12 12 9 1.333 475 462 1.028
7  South Korea 4 2 11 12 9 1.333 481 426 1.129
8  China 3 3 10 12 10 1.200 474 455 1.042
9  Italy 2 4 7 8 12 0.667 424 450 0.942
10  Belgium 2 4 6 8 14 0.571 436 492 0.886
11  Japan 2 4 6 7 13 0.538 421 466 0.903
12  Thailand 2 4 5 9 14 0.643 508 520 0.977
13  Poland 2 4 5 10 16 0.625 557 571 0.975
14  Dominican Republic 1 5 5 8 15 0.533 440 523 0.841
15  Germany 1 5 3 6 16 0.375 455 524 0.868
16  Argentina 0 6 0 2 18 0.111 355 494 0.719

 

POOL PREVIEW

If any team goes 3-0 in this pool it would be gigantic for their postseason chances. For Brazil and Netherlands, it would mean an 8-1 start and a near clinching of a playoff spot. It would mean even more for Korea, who currently sits just outside of the final round. Finally, for Poland, it would change their narrative and keep them alive in the overall picture.

Another possibility in this pool would be seeing a three-way tie in terms of wins with Brazil, Netherlands and South Korea going 2-1. The results of each of those teams will have a steep impact on the top of the standings and who makes it into the final round in a few weeks. A 1-2 or 0-3 week for either of the top three could be debilitating with the amount of high-win teams, so the pressure is on in Pool 9.

It’s hard to distinguish who is the favorite in the pool to have that strongest week, as Brazil and Netherlands are both 5-1. The South American side has won five consecutively since their opening loss to Germany and are the highest ranked team in the world rankings. The Dutch on the other hand aren’t too far behind and are the hosts of this group, so should have one of the best fan bases on their side.

South Korea and Poland will serve as the dark horses in this group, mainly the Asian side. In terms of point ratio, Korea actually sits at fourth in the overall standings. Unfortunately, two of the teams in front of them are in this pool in Brazil and Netherlands. Still, they should be quite competitive, and at least will need to draw a point or two if they suffer any losses so they don’t fall too far away from the final round playoff race.

STORIES TO WATCH

  • Brazil – Outside hitter/wing-spiker Tandara Caixeta has been seemingly unstoppable in attack for Brazil, logging 81 spikes and 91 points for the South American team. In fact, Caixeta has more than 20 spikes and points than any other Brazilian. She’s also tied for second on the team with 0.95 digs per set. She does own a great leap, but at about 6’0″ tall it will be quite the clash when she faces a lengthy Dutch front line.
  • Netherlands – Three different Dutch players have logged over 50 kills, with four over 40. Leading the way in that regard (67 spikes) and in points (80) is Anne Buijs. When the going gets tough, like it will be this week, it’s important for a team to find a reliable option. Buijs has been just that, and although Netherlands thrives with their balance and efficient offense, it will be important for her to step up when the team is in real need of a point.
  • Poland – The Polish side has struggled to find balance, which could be exploited this week, but it shouldn’t be an indictment on Malwina Smarzek. The opposite spiker has an incredible 134 spikes and 159 points thus far. The next highest for Poland is 53 spikes and 76 points. Even if she doesn’t have the help around her, Smarzek is worth the price of admission.
  • South Korea – With all of the high-level attackers in this pool, defense and blocking will be important. The good news for Korea is that they have a good one in Su Ji Kim (0.81 blocks per set). That helps her to rank third on the team in points (48) and provide balance to both sides of the court with a couple of strong options on the offensive side of the court.

We are 12 weeks away from the first week of the 2018 Division I women’s volleyball season. With that being said, it’s time for VolleyMob’s Way-Too-Early 2018 Preseason Top 25.

Since these rankings are early and we don’t necessarily have the full picture in terms of recruiting and transfers still to come, most of this is based on experience and starters returning. As we move closer to the fall, we will update our rankings as needed. Until then, we will release five teams at a time this week, leading to the culmination of #1-5 on Friday. To get things started we give you teams #21-25 below:

21. SAN DIEGO TOREROS

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, #18 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 25-5 (17-1 WCC)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 4
  • Key Returners: MB Addison Picha (2017 AVCA All-America HM), MB Kaity Edwards (2017 WCC HM), OH Roxie Wiblin (2017 WCC Freshman Team)
  • Key Losses: S Kristen Gengenbacher (2017 AVCA Third-Team AA), RS Jayden Kennedy (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
  • Bottom Line: The Toreros have been on a strong run as a program and were co-WCC champions a season ago as they were hot headed into the tournament. They came close to upending USC but couldn’t finish the job and will look for another strong season with plenty back but also plenty to replace led by one of the best setters in the country in Gengenbacher. Adding a high-end talent in Penn State transfer Cami May should also give the team a strong replacement for Kennedy.

22. IOWA STATE CYCLONES

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, #21 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 22-7 (11-5 Big 12)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 3 + Libero
  • Key Returners: L Hali Hillegas (2017 AVCA All-America HM, Big 12 LOTY), OH Jess Schaben (2017 AVCA All-America HM), MB Avery Rhodes (2017 Big 12 Freshman Team)
  • Key Losses: RS Samara West (2017 Big 12 First Team)
  • Bottom Line: The Cyclones continue to rack up top three finishes in the Big 12 and should be projected to do more of the same in 2018. The loss of West hurts, but they have plenty of depth coming back to join three starters and the libero returning to make this another consistently solid season.

23. PURDUE BOILERMAKERS

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, #19 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 23-10 (12-8 Big Ten)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 3 + Libero
  • Key Returners: RS Sherridan Atkinson (2017 AVCA Third-Team AA)
  • Key Losses: MB/OH Danielle Cuttino (2017 AVCA First-Team AA), S Ashley Evans (2017 AVCA All-America HM)
  • Bottom Line: Purdue will have to overcome some critical losses heading into 2018, but they have some nice options returning – both in starters and off the bench from 2017. If their recruiting class – which is highly touted – blends in well with what they have back, they should stick near the top half of the loaded Big Ten.

24. CAL POLY MUSTANGS

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: Second Round, #24 in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 27-3 (16-0 Big West)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 4 + Libero
  • Key Returners: OH Adlee Van Winden (2017 AVCA All-America HM), RS Torrey Van Winden (2017 AVCA All-America HM), L Katherine Brouker (2017 Big West HM), MB Madilyn Mercer (2017 Big West Freshman Team)
  • Key Losses: S Taylor Nelson (2017 AVCA All-America HM, Big West POTY), OH Raeann Greisen (2017 Big West First-Team), MB Savannah Niemen (2017 Big West First-Team)
  • Bottom Line: Cal Poly should once again make for an interesting race with Hawaii atop the Big West, and will likely be the conference favorite. They’ll have to prove they can overcome the loss of the Big West Player of the Year in Nelson, but Adlee Van Winden could take the baton and win the award. The loss of Niemen and Greisen also hurts, but Greisen was seldom a starter after non-conference play and the Mustangs have plenty of firepower returning along with a transfer addition in former Duke OH Jamie Stivers.

25. MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES

  • 2017 Finish/Rank: First Round, UR in final VM Top 25
  • 2017 Record: 22-10 (15-3 Big East)
  • Starters Likely Returning for 2018: 6 + Libero
  • Key Returners: OH Allie Barber (2017 AVCA All-America HM, Big East POTY), MB Jenna Rosenthal (2017 Big East First-Team), S Lauren Speckman (2017 Big East Second-Team), OH Hope Werch (2017 Big East FOTY)
  • Key Losses: None with award recognition
  • Bottom Line: The Golden Eagles weren’t far off from being on the cusp of the VolleyMob Top 25 Power Rankings, as they were for a majority of the year but lost their final two matches. They should take their experience from last year and build on it in 2018 with all of their starters back and should give Creighton everything they can handle with a Big East crown on the line.

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