2017 Volleyball

For us newbies to Volleyball, what is the "libero"?

a specialized defensive player on the team. usually wears different colored uniform. Rosado plays that position for the gophers



https://www.thoughtco.com/libero-position-indoor-volleyball-3429244

A libero is a defensive specialist position in indoor volleyball. The position was added to the game of indoor volleyball in 1999 along with a set of special rules for play in order to foster more digs and rallies and to make the game more exciting overall.

The libero remains in the game at all times and is the only player that is not limited by the regular rules of rotation. The libero usually replaces the middle blocker position when they rotate to the back row and never rotates to the front row.

The libero is chosen by the team before any given match or tournament and the player that is designated the libero must remain so for the entire match or tournament. If the libero is injured, he or she can be replaced by any player who is not presently on the court, but that player then must remain the libero for the remainder of the match.
 

a specialized defensive player on the team. usually wears different colored uniform. Rosado plays that position for the gophers



https://www.thoughtco.com/libero-position-indoor-volleyball-3429244

A libero is a defensive specialist position in indoor volleyball. The position was added to the game of indoor volleyball in 1999 along with a set of special rules for play in order to foster more digs and rallies and to make the game more exciting overall.

The libero remains in the game at all times and is the only player that is not limited by the regular rules of rotation. The libero usually replaces the middle blocker position when they rotate to the back row and never rotates to the front row.

The libero is chosen by the team before any given match or tournament and the player that is designated the libero must remain so for the entire match or tournament. If the libero is injured, he or she can be replaced by any player who is not presently on the court, but that player then must remain the libero for the remainder of the match.

That is incorrect. Goehner was the libero in set 1 vs. Louisville, but Rosado took over in set 2. Also, I remember them changing liberos from set to set in Rosado's freshman year.
 

That is incorrect. Goehner was the libero in set 1 vs. Louisville, but Rosado took over in set 2. Also, I remember them changing liberos from set to set in Rosado's freshman year.

Yes they can be designated by set: from the NCAA rule book.

12.1.1 Designation
One libero player may be designated for each set by indicating that player’s
number on the lineup sheet for that set. If a libero is not listed on the lineup
sheet for a set, the team may not use a libero in that set. The libero may be
designated as the playing captain.


Might as well post what libero's can or can't do:

12.1.2 Playing Actions

12.1.2.1 The libero is restricted to perform as a back-row player and is not
allowed to complete an attack-hit from anywhere (including the playing
court and free zone) if, at the moment of contact, the ball is entirely above
the top of the net. (See Rule 14.5.1 and Signal 24, Official’s Mechanics.)

12.1.2.2 The libero may not block or attempt to block. (See Rule 14.6.1.)

12.1.2.3 In one rotation, the libero may replace the player in position No. 1
to serve. (See Rule 10.2.1.)

12.1.2.4 A teammate may not complete an attack-hit when, at the moment
of the attack-hit, the ball is entirely above the top of the net and the ball is
coming from an overhand finger pass by a libero in the front zone or the
opponent’s free zone. (See Signal 24, Official’s Mechanics, then indicate
the libero.) The ball may be freely attacked if the libero makes the same
action from behind the front zone. If airborne, the libero’s position is
judged according to the point of last contact with her team’s court.
 

http://www.startribune.com/mix-of-veterans-freshman-excite-gophers-volleyball-coach/442190713/

Rachel Blount StarTrib:

With victories in their first two matches, the Gophers moved up two spots to No. 2 in the national volleyball rankings Monday. Coach Hugh McCutcheon greeted that news not with applause, but with an apathetic shrug.

Last weekend’s impressive start — including a sweep of No. 11 North Carolina — did nothing to change his view that the Gophers will be much better in November than they are in August. He believes that’s inevitable for a roster that lost three All-America players and added six freshmen. No matter what the polls say, McCutcheon has counseled fans to be patient during the early stages of the season...

...Rookie opposite hitter Stephanie Samedy was named co-Big Ten player of the week after beginning her college career in grand style. She reached double digits in kills and digs in both of last weekend’s matches, finishing with a team-high 31 kills, hitting .315 and adding 27 digs and five blocks. Redshirt freshman Regan Pittman had 15 kills and nine blocks, and freshman Jasmyn Martin of Hopkins had nine kills and five blocks.

Four newcomers — including freshman defensive specialist Lauren Barnes, who also earned praise from McCutcheon — played all seven sets in the two matches.

“[The freshmen] did a good job of managing our emotions and playing with energy,” Samedy said. “Honestly, I wasn’t nervous. I was ready to go.

“We all have a pretty good connection. We’re still trying to build that up. It’s still early. But as a team, we made sure we took care of business.”
 

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Minnesota swept West Virginia -17, -18, -22 at the Pav. The Gophers cruised through the first two sets and continued cruising to a 16-9 lead in the third. Then the Mountaineers stiffened and the Gophers were troubled by several good WVA attacks (even a balloonish serve). WVA tied the score at 17. The Gophers stopped that run aided by a three point service string by Barnes. In general, The Gophers out middled (with blocks and kills) the Mountaineers.

Taylor Morgan had a good night with 7 kills, Alexis Hart 8 kills, Regan Pittman 7 kills and of course Stephanie Samedy with 15 kills and 7 digs. Rosado and Seliger-Swenson had solid matches.

My favorite rotation tonight was: Hart serving with Rosado and Seliger-Swenson in the back row and Samedy, Morgan and Lohman in the front row. That's a lot of offense and blocking on the court.

When Lohman served, the front row was Samedy, Morgan and Pittman.

Of Note: I don't think Jasmyn Martin played tonight. Martin played quite a bit in Madison. Alice Zeimann had what looked like a splint on a heavily wrapped right hand. She did not participate in warm-ups.
 

Friday B1G matches of note: In College Station, #5 Penn State defeated #1 Stanford in four sets. In Columbus #20 Ohio State lost to Missouri State in four sets.
 



Minnesota swept West Virginia -17, -18, -22 at the Pav. The Gophers cruised through the first two sets and continued cruising to a 16-9 lead in the third. Then the Mountaineers stiffened and the Gophers were troubled by several good WVA attacks (even a balloonish serve). WVA tied the score at 17. The Gophers stopped that run aided by a three point service string by Barnes. In general, The Gophers out middled (with blocks and kills) the Mountaineers.

Taylor Morgan had a good night with 7 kills, Alexis Hart 8 kills, Regan Pittman 7 kills and of course Stephanie Samedy with 15 kills and 7 digs. Rosado and Seliger-Swenson had solid matches.

My favorite rotation tonight was: Hart serving with Rosado and Seliger-Swenson in the back row and Samedy, Morgan and Lohman in the front row. That's a lot of offense and blocking on the court.

When Lohman served, the front row was Samedy, Morgan and Pittman.

Of Note: I don't think Jasmyn Martin played tonight. Martin played quite a bit in Madison. Alice Zeimann had what looked like a splint on a heavily wrapped right hand. She did not participate in warm-ups.

Had a chance to watch most the match. Would characterize their play as workmanlike.

Weren't great, weren't bad, but were good enough to take down a clearly out-manned opponent in West Virginia. With that said, had some moments of very good play. The biggest thing I noticed is that the freshman (especially Barnes and Samedy), again looked very good.

On to today vs. UTSA and Tennessee.
 

Minnesota swept USTA this morning, -12, -17, -15. I caught the match on Btn2go; I'll be back in Pav sauna tonight for Tennessee. The second set was the primary trouble spot for the Gophers today. They trailed 13-10 before, following a Hugh timeout, they regrouped to eventually finish out the match on a seven point run. Hugh paced the sidelines during match, something he only does on occasion nowadays.

Jasmyn Martin subbed into the first set and garnered 7 kills. She finished the match with 9. Kayla Buford made her first appearance in the third set and got a kill. Samedy finished with 11 kills and 11 digs.

This was the 38th straight home match win for Minnesota.
 

Tonight's Gopher opponent, Tennessee, lost in straight sets to last night's Gopher opponent, West Virginia, -20, -18, -22.
 

Minnesota swept USTA this morning, -12, -17, -15. I caught the match on Btn2go; I'll be back in Pav sauna tonight for Tennessee. The second set was the primary trouble spot for the Gophers today. They trailed 13-10 before, following a Hugh timeout, they regrouped to eventually finish out the match on a seven point run. Hugh paced the sidelines during match, something he only does on occasion nowadays.

Jasmyn Martin subbed into the first set and garnered 7 kills. She finished the match with 9. Kayla Buford made her first appearance in the third set and got a kill. Samedy finished with 11 kills and 11 digs.

This was the 38th straight home match win for Minnesota.

It was nice to see Martin get some extended time against UTSA after not factoring at all vs. West Virginia last night.
 



Minnesota swept Tennessee -22, -15, -20 in a match where the Gophers required an extra spark in each set to finish off the Vols.

In the first set Tennessee led 20-18 before the Gophers were able to turn it around. The spark came from Jasmyn Martin. Martin was inserted for Taylor Morgan and quickly contributed two kills and a block. Maddie Beal subbed in and closed out the set with a kill. Martin stayed in the rotation the remainder of the match.

In the second set the Gophers came from behind to lead 17-15, then, following a Pittman kill, Lauren Barnes served seven straight points to take the second set.

A kill by Pittman in the third set broke a 16-16 tie and help push the Gophers to a win. Pittman was terrific tonight with 15 kills and gave the Tennessee defense fits.

Stephanie Samedy (17 kills and 10 digs) was the tournament MVP. Samedy's form when she pipes a ball from the back row makes Jordan's Jumpman appear tame by comparison.
 

Ladies will likely be your #1 team in America come Tuesday. Possible Penn St. jumps us (as they beat Stanford), but you'll likely have 3 Big Ten teams as the top 3 (Wisconsin is in there too). Doesn't mean squat now, but we're playing very good volleyball. Will be a fun team to watch.
 

Ladies will likely be your #1 team in America come Tuesday. Possible Penn St. jumps us (as they beat Stanford), but you'll likely have 3 Big Ten teams as the top 3 (Wisconsin is in there too). Doesn't mean squat now, but we're playing very good volleyball. Will be a fun team to watch.

It's a good sign that McCutcheon is juggling the lineup quite a bit early trying to find the best combos and the women are still winning. Not unexpected that things would be in flux to start considering the players we lost, but obviously the team has plenty of talent. Just a few flat spots here and there, but overall, a very good start to 2017.
 

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Some Minnesota v Tennessee highlights.
 


Minnesota is rank number 1 in volleyball.

1. Minnesota
2. Florida
3. Penn St
4. Stanford
5. Texas
6. Wisconsin
7. Kansas
8. Washington
9. Creighton
10. BYU
https://twitter.com/NCAAVolleyball/status/904783304091717632

Not surprising considering Stanford lost last weekend, but I'm not sure how I feel about this now that we're headed to Austin for the weekend. The team is still very young and finding their groove. Nevertheless, it's a nice feather in the cap.

It certainly shows the level of respect the program has gained on the national level. I may be wrong, but I think this is the third straight year the ladies have been ranked No. 1 at some point during the season.
 

It certainly shows the level of respect the program has gained on the national level. I may be wrong, but I think this is the third straight year the ladies have been ranked No. 1 at some point during the season.

Gopher Sports saved us the look up and reminds us of that great 2004 Minnesota team which lost to Stanford in the NCAA championship match.

The last time the Gophers were ranked No. 1 was just last season in the 2016 weekly polls. Minnesota entered the 2016 NCAA tournament as the No. 1 ranked team and was also ranked No. 1 during the Oct. 3, 2016 poll. Prior to last year's No. 1 rankings, Minnesota was last ranked No. 1 in 2004.

Minnesota travels to Austin, Texas this week as it competes in the American Campus Classic, Sept. 7-8 (Thurs.-Fri.). The Gophers face Denver and Corpus Christi (TAMCC) on Thursday, Sept. 7, while they face No. 5 Texas, Friday, Sept. 8. All matches are televised on the Longhorn Network and streamed through ESPN3.
 

Gopher Sports saved us the look up and reminds us of that great 2004 Minnesota team which lost to Stanford in the NCAA championship match.

The last time the Gophers were ranked No. 1 was just last season in the 2016 weekly polls. Minnesota entered the 2016 NCAA tournament as the No. 1 ranked team and was also ranked No. 1 during the Oct. 3, 2016 poll. Prior to last year's No. 1 rankings, Minnesota was last ranked No. 1 in 2004.

Minnesota travels to Austin, Texas this week as it competes in the American Campus Classic, Sept. 7-8 (Thurs.-Fri.). The Gophers face Denver and Corpus Christi (TAMCC) on Thursday, Sept. 7, while they face No. 5 Texas, Friday, Sept. 8. All matches are televised on the Longhorn Network and streamed through ESPN3.
Okay, that makes sense.

Couldn't remember whether they were ranked No. 1 in 2015. Looking back, I think they reached No. 2 but not No. 1.

Maybe I was confused because they were ranked No. 1 on two different occasions last year. But, I digress...

Sent from my SM-G360V using Tapatalk
 

http://www.bigten.org/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/090517aaa.html

Seliger-Swenson was B1G setter of the week. The Badgers Sydney Hilley was Freshman of the week. Penn State's Haleigh Washington was not only B1G player of the week but also AVCA player of the week.

Setter of the Week
Samantha Seliger-Swenson, Minnesota
S - Jr. - Minnetonka, Minn. - Hopkins
• Posted 126 set assists to average 14.0 per set with an .667 hitting percentage in guiding No. 2 Minnesota to straight-set wins at home over West Virginia, USTA and Tennessee
• Piloted a Gophers' offense that hit a season-best .396 against the Volunteers, adding a season-best 49 assists along with three kills, seven digs and two block assists
• Named to the All-Tournament Team
• Receives her seventh career Setter of the Week citation
• Last Minnesota Setter of the Week: Samantha Seliger-Swenson (Oct. 3, 2016)
 

I have a feeling we'll lose to Texas. Just feels like it is going to happen. Won't ruin the season, won't matter much in the end. I'll be extremely excited if we are able to beat them down there.
 

http://www.startribune.com/no-1-gop...-on-big-challenges-not-top-ranking/442807883/

Marcus Fuller writes some volleyball:


Losing the national player of the year and other team leaders to graduation seemed like holes the Gophers would need time to fill before they became the No. 1 volleyball team in the country.

But after going undefeated in the first two weeks of the season, Minnesota coach Hugh McCutcheon finds a much different looking squad on top again after a 5-0 start.

Good luck getting McCutcheon to pay much attention to the No. 1 ranking, though...

...With the graduation of national player of the year Sarah Wilhite, along with twins Hannah and Paige Tapp, the Gophers needed a talented recruit such as Stephanie Samedy to make an immediate impact. The 6-2 freshman from Florida has a team-high 74 kills and leads the Big Ten with 4.63 kills per set. Samedy earned MVP honors in last week's Diet Coke Classic at home.

Five of the Gophers' top six hitters are either freshmen or sophomores so far, but the Gophers don't lack experience. Junior Samantha Seliger-Swenson, the Big Ten setter of the week, and four seniors provide leadership.
 

Catch the Gophers vs Denver live right now on Long Horn Network. Dish Network channel 407

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Minnesota took out TAMCC in three sets -20, -19, -20. After getting her first double double of the season against Denver, Seliger-Swenson added her second against TAMCC (34 assists and 11 digs).

In the Denver match Hugh played:

Barnes
Samedy
Seliger-Swenson
Lohman
Hart
Pittman
Martin
Goehner
Rosado

In the second set, Hugh played the above and added:

Taylor
Kleinman (5 kills and 3 hitting errors)
Beckley
 

http://spokesman-recorder.com/2017/09/07/one-catches-stephanie-samedy/

Charles Hallman on Stephanie Samedy:


“It is truly about the team,” assessed [Hugh McCutcheon] on the 2017 squad. “We have a lot to learn but it is a good start.” And Samedy, stressed McCutcheon, might be the best of this year’s freshmen group: “She represents as good as anyone we have had here,” he told me.

Recruiting is one thing — the real thing after the recruit arrives is something else. “Now that I’m here,” continued Samedy, “I actually get to see that this is who we are as a team and a program.” Conversely, like her coach earlier pointed out, Samedy’s the real thing off the court as well. She graduated suma cum laude from her high school, a four-year honor roll member.

Education then sports is the rule on her parents’ priority list. “Grades always first. I care about my schoolwork. Education is important to me, and volleyball also is important to me. I want to learn on the court and off the court,” says Samedy. “Making sure we get the good grades is a big part of our family. Do what we have to do — you don’t get good grades, you can’t play volleyball.”
 

Minnesota took out TAMCC in three sets -20, -19, -20. After getting her first double double of the season against Denver, Seliger-Swenson added her second against TAMCC (34 assists and 11 digs).

In the Denver match Hugh played:

Barnes
Samedy
Seliger-Swenson
Lohman
Hart
Pittman
Martin
Goehner
Rosado

In the second set, Hugh played the above and added:

Taylor
Kleinman (5 kills and 3 hitting errors)
Beckley

Sydney probably had some friends and family make the 3+ hour drive down I-35 to see her play.
 




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