Scattered Seeds: Where Will They Fall?

Sam Houston shocking UTSA. UCA falling off a cliff. Lamar riding a hot streak. Northwestern State finally running out of gas and McNeese suddenly relevant again.

What a week of Southland Conference Volleyball. What an emotional week of Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack Volleyball.

After a strong showing against Texas A&M Corpus Christi - assuring the tiebreaker against the Islanders if necessary - the 'Jacks came out strong before intermission against the 'Runners of UTSA. I saw something at times on Saturday that I think very few people have seen out of UTSA this year: frustration.

The team that was absolutely crushing its way through Southland play until this week got a rude, rude greeting in Huntsville last Thursday. Not only did UTSA drop its first set in SLC play, Sam Houston dropped three on them and as predicted here earlier in the season, becomes a legitimate dark horse going into the tournament next week in Conway. Then, after SFA rips UTSA in Set 2 on Saturday to go into intermission tied, the 'Jacks take the lead early in Set 3 and go toe-to-toe with the 'Runners until about "17's" at which point UTSA rattled off four straight around an SFA timeout to pull out to a 21-16 lead that would essentially dash SFA's hope of being the second team to pull off an upset. The match Saturday really wasn't that far from going 5 sets, but to be fair, UTSA destroyed us in Set 4.

But, before the match.. what a great Senior Day scene with Melissa Miksch and a clearly reflective and emotional MC Bottles each getting their due moment in the sun. I've had the pleasure of roaring through some wonderful write-ups by Laida Sanchez and Ben Rikard over the last six years, but I'll have to admit.. reading MC's senior day accolades ranks as one of my favorite "on-mic" moments. We finally had a speaker system that was worth half a fart set up in Shelton Gym - even if it was straight out of 1975. So, at least the crowd could rightfully hear what Bottles and Miksch have accomplished. Always an emotional PA guy, I was proud that I hit the energy right during those two announcements and it was very moving to see the genuine emotion from the Seniors. I left last Thursday's match against TAMUCC so completely frustrated with the deplorable sound set-up in Shelton Gym. I was glad to see we went to Plan B so that at least we could get a little volume in there.

But, hey.. we've got plenty of volleyball left to play here. The matches upcoming this week against McNeese and Lamar are critical to say the least. Even though there is only one week remaining in regular season play, are you aware that there are 4096 different ways that this weeks' games could turn out? Yep, 4096. There are 12 games remaining and two possible outcomes in each, so basic math tells us that 2 to the 12th power is 4096. Now, there aren't 4096 ways the standings could fall.. there are much fewer ways for that.. so let's look at just a few.

First, the most rosy scenario puts SFA all the way up to the 5th seed in the tournament. We can't get to 4th, because despite UCA's recent choking attacks, they hold the tiebreaker on us. But, if SFA wins both matches this week and UTA loses to either TAMUCC or UTSA on the road, then SFA would finish in a three way tied for 5th at 8-8 with both Lamar and UTA assuming Lamar also loses to SHSU. Having beaten Lamar and already holding the breaker on UTA, we would be granted the 5th seed and wind up (probably) playing host UCA in the first round.

The worst case scenario - which we won't dwell on - has us staying home. Two losses puts us at 6-10 and McNeese would hold the tie break on us. We would then be concerned with Nicholls and how they do this week at UCA and at Northwestern State.

I believe the most critical game that SFA doesn't play in this week is Thursday's match between Nicholls and UCA. If Nicholls loses to UCA and TAMUCC loses to UTA on Thursday, then we are in no matter what happens on Saturday. Far, far more scenarios remaining have us getting in the tournament than out, but of course, it would be nice to up our seeding as much as possible.

I've said all along that I thought ALL the 7-9 teams would make the playoffs, but it is actually possible that two 6-10 teams will make the playoffs! Wild. Check this out: Suppose we lose both games. Then imagine that Nicholls loses both to UCA and Northwestern State and that McNeese loses to Sam Houston. Also, suppose TAMUCC loses to both UTA and UTSA. Then both SFA and McNeese would finish 6-10 and then we'd possibly go deep into tie breaking rules if Northwestern State beats Southeastern on Thursday because then there would be a three way tie at 6-10. The McNeese/NWLA tiebreak would go to a third-level because they each beat each other 3-1. If Northwestern State held the overall tiebreak at the 3rd level, then we'd be the 7th Seed. If McNeese held it, we'd be the 8th seed. Confused?

It is entirely possible that only the Top 4 seeds will be over .500 in league play and if UCA suffers a total collapse, there is even a wild scenario that has UTSA, Texas State and Sam Houston as the ONLY three teams with a winning record going into the tournament. How about that? Just crazy.

Let's go back to SFA for a moment. The 'Jacks must get a handle on middle blocker Nicole Bowden on Thursday. Sabrina Burns and MC Bottles need to paste Bowden's picture in their locker and look to shadow her at all turns. McNeese really doesn't have any other consistent offensive threat other than Bowden. Long time readers will know that she is one of my favorite players in the conference, but I am not being partial here.. Bowden can bring it. She is 5th in the conference in hitting percentage and 4th in kills per set. Her blocking is down this year. If it was at a block per set, where it has been in some years past, then I say she would be a legit first team all-conference player. Shoot, she might be anyway. I'll think more about that in a week when I post my 3rd annual SFAVolleyBlog.net awards.

Anyway, control Bowden and I think we have the edge in Lake Charles. Frehman OH's Rachel Cagnina and Megan Carlton along with Junior RS hitter Taylor Bustamento are adequate, but this team really doesn't have a whole lot of offensive fire power. I really do think you can lock in on Bowden and just say she's not going to beat you and you'll be OK. Bowden has averaged just shy of 18 kills per match during McNeese's recent three game winning streak and no one else on the club is even close to that... Cagnina being the main 2nd option averaging 11 kills per match over that stint. SFA can't play complacently and win, but if they play as well as they did this past week, then we will come out on top.

The match with Lamar looks pretty even on paper to me, but they are riding high - winning three straight after being embarrassed by Southeastern. If you catch Lamar on a day when they put it together, then they can be tough. If you catch them on one of their off days - and they've had plenty - then they can be easily had. I may get more into the Lamar match as the week rolls on. For now, let's see how they hold up against the Bearkats on Thursday. My guess is that the three game win streak comes to a halt. I'll be in Beaumont on Saturday and hope to have an interview with former 'Jacks assistant and now captain of the Lamar ship, Justin Gibert, while I am down there.

For now, that as good a segue as any to tell you that we will have live chat windows going both this Saturday from Beaumont and also all during the tournament in Conway. Whether you are in Beaumont or Conway or not, you can join in on the chat using your smartphone. Of course, if you can't make it to either venue, then be sure to jump on your computer and follow along with us online.

Finally, to follow up on a recent post about parents. I had two big surprises come my way last Saturday. First, Dan Kuepker, who was mentioned in the article - made a return to Nacogdoches to see the UTSA match. It was great to catch up with him and hear that Laurel is doing well in Lewisville. Second, Sophomore Leslie Jackson's father made these awesome axes for Seniors Miksch and Bottles. They were decorated and labelled really well and serve as a great memento for the girls. For reasons undeserved, he also made one for me and I will proudly find a place to display it. Each axe contains a full set of signatures from this year's players on one side of the axe blade. I am particularly proud of that little feature. To all those involved in that gift I say a heartfelt "thank you". The kindness continues and I can assure all that are reading that I'll do my darndest to continue to cover SFA Volleyball in the most devoted and complete way possible.

Prayers for Maddie.

The Two At The Top: MC and Mel

Today's entry shines the spotlight on two familiar names. If you walk around campus this time of year you are sure to see the strategically placed Fall sports posters. There is one on a notice board between Steen Hall and the Cafeteria. Another is posted at the bus stop in Lot 14 behind the library. I believe there may be others. But, if you see one - you'll see a collage of photos - various sports being represented. Our two seniors are among them. MC in an attacking pose and Mel in defensive position with platform established about to dig a ball. They are each appropriate shots and ones that have been used in SFA literature here and there. I think I have a copy of each picture somewhere on the laptop I am currently typing on. I'll spice up this post with pictures other than those.

When it comes to MC, we've all been spoiled. Outside Hitters? We've had some, we've gone a few years with lean production, we've got some new ones that excite and give promise. But still, a lot of unknown. Libero? We've had Kuepker - and then Lo got hurt. We've had Maddie - and then Maddie got hurt. Now, Maddie is well, but this position has been stable in only bits and pieces. Right Side? Lots of activity and shifting there over the last few seasons. Setter? Don't get me started. I've learned that you shouldn't assume today's setter is tomorrow's. I listen - politely - when staff and such begin to talk setters and the "future". But, it's talk. And we all know the cost of talk.

But, middle blocker? Particularly, the position we call the "M1"? There's only one sentence you need to know: "At Middle Blocker, a 6 Foot Senior, #1.. M.C. Bottles". Every home game. Every lineup. The first one out of my mouth. All. The. Time.

This team has a lot of good players. This team has a lot of players that could be good players. This team may even have a few players that could be stars. Let's be clear: This team has one star. It's Bottles. She is rightfully the face of this team. She deserves - and commands - respect. The question is only where she will fit among the many great middles that SFA has suited up. She is among the best and she's the first name opposing coaches talk about when going over SFA scouting reports. I'm not making that up. I talk to these coaches. They talk about her.

I don't want to stir up any controversy because after all, this post is to celebrate our two seniors for 2011. But, I'm going to lay it out there: Melissa Miksch is under appreciated, under utilized and underrated. She's garnered a decent amount of playing time during her time at SFA, but I think she's deserved more. We've experimented in places and at times where Miksch has deserved to just play it out and work through a few things. It's just my opinion and I'll just leave it at that.

We've been through all this before, but let's say it again. Melissa Miksch is an athlete and you're not. She is always in great shape and is the poster child for conditioning and strength. She is versatile and can play basically anywhere. See, most players you can put in a box. Put her in the "middle" box or put her in the "DS" box. Mel can't be put in a box. OH? Yes? Libero? Yes. Back row? Yes. More than three rotation capability? Yes. (Oops, I said I'd leave it at that). She's a volleyball player. She's got legitimate ability all over the court.

The following interview is brought to you courtesy of Chipotle Restaurants.

SFAVolleyBlog: Mel, we have only two seniors on this team this year. In what ways do you intend to be a leader both ON and OFF the court? What type of leadership style fits you best?

Mel: I intend to be a leader this year in various ways. I believe that becoming good friends and being more comfortable with everyone can add good chemistry in a team. MC and I want to be the best senior leaders as possible this year in order to win that ring at the end of the season. We both expect everyone to do their job with 100% effort every time they step out on the court. I do believe that I have become more of a vocal leader on the court, but I am also a leader by example. Whether it is in the weight room or in Shelton the girls can watch me and see what they can build up to and learn from the way I play. I have played every position except for middle, so it is easy for me to relate to any of the positions.

SFAVolleyBlog: MC, any time a team experiences a down season like we did in 2010, there are sure to be changes the year following. What do you think will be the one biggest difference between the team last year and the team in 2011?

MC: This year I believe that the biggest difference is the depth of our team. We have 16 girls on our roster this season and that’s the most girls we have had on our team since I have been here. Along with the depth I also think this is the most competitive group we have had. No practice goes by without any trash talking or multiple arguments about a call!

SFAVolleyBlog: So, with those 16 girls on the club this year and many of them new, what is the biggest piece of advice that you could give the new players about the rigors of college volleyball? What’s the one thing you hope they learn the quickest in order to create the biggest opportunity for success?

MC: When given the opportunity to play you have to step up and do your job or you won't get that playing time that everyone wants. I didn’t start for the first 4 or 5 games as a freshman but once given the opportunity I proved that I should be on the court. You have to take advantage of those opportunities!! Also, to be successful you have to be a mentally stable and a consistent player.

SFAVolleyBlog: Mel, when you finish your Senior season, do you see yourself involved in volleyball in some way after college or do you think the memories will be enough and you’ll begin to put the game behind you as you transition to other phases in life?

Mel: I will definitely miss the game of volleyball and working out with the team after this season is over. It will be a hard transition, because I have been playing volleyball since I was in 5th grade. I do not see myself coaching volleyball later in life, but I will for sure step in to play a game of volleyball whenever the opportunity arises.

SFAVolleyBlog: MC, many of your teammates regularly engage in social media sites like Facebook. But, you in particular are an active poster and commenter. With all the stories in the media about athletes engaging in Facebook/Twitter, has the need to watch what one posts in open forum ever come up in team discussions? What is your thought about social media sites and the responsibility (if any) an athlete has when using them?

MC: As an athlete you're always in the spotlight. As a team I don't think we have any issues with Facebook or Twitter. Sometimes I think people are a bit harsh on athletes, but we do represent SFA and at the end of the day we have to be responsible for our actions. I think Facebook is a great way to keep up with old friends from high school and club!

SFAVolleyBlog: Mel, are/were your parents or siblings athletes? In all honesty, who is the best athlete in the family?
Mel: My family is very athletic. My Dad ran track in high school and then went to Blinn on a track scholarship. My Mom was a cheerleader in high school. My brother played basketball in high school. I followed in my sister’s footsteps the most. She played volleyball in middle school, high school and in college. She went to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. We even had the same high school coach (Jason Landers), so we always make the comment that he had to coach a “Miksch” for 8 years! My family (especially me and my sister) always discuss who is the best athlete in the family, and we always ends up agreeing that I am.

SFAVolleyBlog: Senior night this year will honor just the two of you. Tell me one thing about the other one that you’ll always remember. What part of the others' game do you most admire? And finally, what’s one thing about the other that you think few readers would know ?

MC: My favorite memory actually happened this summer. It was the night of my 21st birthday and were driving through my neighborhood and drove past a party. While were driving past, Mel tells me that I should yell “ It’s your &%$#@! birthday!!” It was hilarious! I was not expecting her to yell that out like that, but it was the funniest thing I have heard her say! For people who don’t know Mel she seems like she’s quiet but she’s not! I love Mel and I really admire her for stepping up last season and filling our libero position. She was amazing and still is! Also her ability to be a solid 6 rotation player is something that I will always admire! [Ed. Note: Agreed, but remember, I am not bringing it up again].

Mel: There are so many things about MC that it is hard to pick just one thing, but if I had to pick one it would be her competitive nature. She would be willing to do whatever it takes to win a game. I believe that is why she has been so successful since her freshman year. One thing about MC’s game that I admire the most is her ability to see the court on the other side and mix up her shots. Something I know about her that others might not know is that she loves Chipotle and that she will have it at her wedding! [Ed. Note: How could you not know MC loves Chipotle? Seriously. The wedding part, though? That's good stuff right there]

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Many thanks to both Mel and MC for their great responses to my questions. I want to pass along something else about these two seniors. I occasionally, like in these interviews, contact players and others via email or Facebook in order to ask questions. These two are ALWAYS prompt, courteous and seem to "get it" when it comes to dealing with auxiliary personnel like me.

There are times when I wait a long time for responses and I get it. I really do. These girls are busy and they really don't have an obligation to me. But, these two seniors have figured it out. They know how to respond in a professional and prompt way to requests such as interviews and people trying to solicit information. It speaks well to their character. It speaks well to their leadership and it speaks well to how they were raised. People in my "on the perimeter" position notice this sort of stuff because we recognize that WE are NOT integral to the team, but the players are. When those integral to the club deal positively with those of us in the shadows it reveals a level of maturity that is elevated above the norm. That shouldn't go unmentioned in regards to these two.

The home slate begins on Friday night as we get the official first match back in Shelton Gym underway at 6 PM. I'll admit to being really curious as to how everything is going to look and sound. On Thursday, I'll briefly breakdown the recent road trip and we'll also look forward to our final veteran interviews that will feature Madison Hanlan, Sabrina Burns and Allison Gideon. In coming days we will have more audio interviews posted and I'll also begin a new audio feature that kicks off in 2011 that I'll call "SLC5". Our main focus here at the blog is always on Ladyjack Volleyball, but SLC5 will be a weekly segment that takes a quick tour around the entire Southland Conference. It is my hope that you'll enjoy that post each week as we near conference play. In addition to starting up SLC5, it is my intent to expand my coverage of the conference by posting interviews with other players and coaches from around the league. When Sam Houston comes to town in another week, we may get a chance to see how that works.

As always, we are "SFA's Strongest Presence on the 'Net" and we've got both SFA and Southland Volleyball in focus in a unique way that you really can't get anywhere else. I told you last month that 2011 was going to be furious - you'll want to check back here a couple times a week to what new we've got in mind for feeding your volleyball brain!

2010 Player Profile: Melissa Miksch

We are just about one week away from reporting day and the calendar turns to August. The reality of things is that there will be college volleyball played this month. The club is only a few weeks away from squaring off against a very good Baylor team that bounced around the end of Top 25 lists last year.

This weekend we continue interviews with the veterans and today's virtual sit down is with Junior utility player Melissa Miksch. I know "utility player" is more of a baseball term, but Mel is an excellent passer who gets a lot of time on the back row and is someone who is often brought in to serve before starting her way across the back. Mix that in with the occasional swing from the left side and you've got my definition - at least for this post.

Last time, I commented on Lo's academic accomplishments. Those comments were made by reputation but trivia for the day will be that Mel is the only current Ladyjack that I have taught while doing my "other" job here at SFA. She may be the last one for a while unless we get a math major recruit in years to come as I am teaching less and less in core curriculum courses. I can tell you first hand that Mel is an outstanding student - easily one of the best I had in an introductory statistics class that is fairly well-known to be headache causing.

She took a break from her last few weeks of summer freedom to respond to my questions. A transcript of our Facebook interview follows:

SFAVolleyBlog.net: Your bio on the athletic website says that you were an all-district setter in high school. Have you always been the type of player that has concentrated on being versatile, sort of a “utility” type player, rather than locking in as a primary left-side hitter or L2 or some other label?

Melissa: Throughout club ball, high school, and now at SFA, I have been a versatile, so called “utility” player. My coaches knew I could play almost every position if they asked me to and I was willing to play them too. When I first started volleyball I began as a setter, but eventually I would always end up playing another position. Jason, (my high school coach) always told me he just needed me out there on the court, especially in a setting role. We ran a 6-2 for most of my high school career, and I enjoyed hitting and setting all the way around. As a utility player, though, you have to be ready at any point to go in the game (sometimes you go in cold) and do your job, which can be challenging. But, overall I do like to be a versatile player, because I love being able to step onto the court in any position and help my teammates win the game.

SFAVolleyBlog.net: Last year, you were second on the club in digs and digs per set. Do you consider your back row defense and ball control the best part of your game at this point? Is that something you specifically were concentrating on this time last year?

Melissa: I do consider my back row defense and ball control the best part of my game at this point. At this time last year I was concentrating on that as well as every other position I could have possibly been asked to play. Whatever position coach needed me in I was willing to play, and to do my absolute best at it.

SFAVolleyBlog.net: Last year at this time, your name came up a lot when I asked coaches about players most improved from 2008 going into 2009. What is the #1 thing you want to improve on during 2010?

Melissa: My #1 thing I want to improve on during the 2010 season is my consistency. I know I have the potential to play almost every position out on the court, so it is my responsibility to show up every game, mentally prepared to perform the best I possibly can.

SFAVolleyBlog.net: Coaches and your fellow players often brag on you for your strong conditioning. Is there a specific routine you go through during the off-season to stay in prime shape in preparation for an upcoming season?

Melissa: I don’t think that I can go longer than probably three days without some kind of physical activity. You will rarely see me sit in front of the TV all day long. During the summer I always try to keep up with the workout packet we are assigned to. I sometimes run at the park or do approach jumps in my back yard. My sister (who lives in Dallas) played volleyball in college as well, and whenever she comes down to visit we always work out together. I eat pretty healthy and consume little junk food. In my head I also know that if I take a long break without doing any physical activity, then it will be even harder for me to get back into shape. Just as a side note: When I was 5 years old I had six-pack abs and toned arms. People would ask my mom what kind of work out she would make me do. But, of course, I never worked out at this age…I guess it is in my genes.

SFAVolleyBlog.net: At what point in your career did you learn your jump serve? How long did you use it in practice or work on it until you were confident to use it in matches? Was there anyone specific that taught it to you, or did you just pick it up on your own?

Melissa: As long as I can remember I have always practiced jump serving by myself. But, it was not until my 16’s year in club that my jump serve became effective in games. Ted, (my coach at the time) taught me a lot about how to improve every aspect of my jump serve, including my toss. Along with his good advice, I always remember he would tell me to just “hit the crap outta the ball” when I serve, and that’s exactly what I did. I presume it worked.

SFAVolleyBlog.net: Finally, I mentioned above the fact that I have first-hand knowledge that you are a strong student. You still have a couple of years to be here at SFA. But when graduation comes and SFA playing days are done, what do you see yourself doing post-graduation?

Melissa: If it all works out, I plan on becoming a registered nurse and eventually getting my masters to specialize in a specific area of nursing. It is too far down the road to know where I will get my first job, but I will most likely stay in Texas because I love it so much.
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We've still got the last piece in our Southland coaches series to get to your eyes and I've got a few other plans in the works. Illness around my house and deadlines with my real job kept me from posting twice this week. Next week, we should be back on track. Look for two posts this coming week with the second one being....

Next Player Profile: Maddie Hanlan

Previous Profiles:
Carrie Hahn
Laurel Kuepker

3 UP, 3 DOWN

After nine games the 'Jacks stand at a respectable 5-4. This weekend they invade Tulsa, OK to repay a favor by playing in the Raddison Tulsa Airport Invitational Tournament. See, two years ago, Tulsa came to Nacogdoches to play in our tourney, so this is the return trip. Along with the Hurricane - oh excuse me - Golden Hurricane (I still don't get that), SFA will face Debbie Humphreys' alum Texas Tech and West Coast Conference member Gonzaga.

Next week at this time we hope you all will have cleared some weekend space to join us in Johnson Coliseum for the Ladyjack Invitational Tournament. The 'Jacks will get in two games next Friday (2:30 and 7:00) and two more next Saturday (12:30 and 7:00). Keep the 18th and 19th reserved for supporting the girls.

Its only been eight days, but it already seems like forever that the club played at home. I really, really dislike these long spells on the road. This one is a 17-day span away from our home court and unfortunately, we've got another 17 day span in October on the road too. I know schedules are made under all sorts of considerations, but that doesn't stop me from thinking that a weekday match stuck in the middle of those road swings would aid in overall support from fans. Ugh, I digress.

What we're gonna do here today is look at the first nine matches and play "3 Up, 3 Down". I've read through box scores a few times and looked over game stories and had a conversation here and there with folks, and here are my takes for three of the more positive signs early in the season - followed by three things that we'll want to change going forward.

I'll take the approach of saving the best for last.... so not to accent the negative, but in the spirit of ending on a high note.. we begin with:

3 DOWN:

1. Team Attack Percentage: .189
You might remember from a previous post that the conference as a whole hit .192 last year. Simply put, I don't think this club is going to play deep in the postseason if they are an average attacking club. Now, Owens getting hurt didn't help things, but the team has got to get balls to the floor at a better rate. The team hit .237 last year. We are a quarter of the way through the season (that feels weird to even type) and the club will have to hit approximately .253 the rest of the way to match last years' percentage. Balls have to be knocked down at a bit more consistent clip to wind up with a high seed in the SLC Conference Tournament in November. Our leading attacker in terms of total kills and attacks is hitting .120. If whoever leads the team in attacks at the END of the year hits .120 then we will be an average team in terms of the standings. To put things a different way, the leading attacker on this team WON'T hit .120. You just won't give that many swings to a person hitting that low. Need proof?...The lowest hitting percentage over the last decade for a Ladyjack leading her team in attacks for the year is .183.

2. Too Many Service Errors
Yes, its true that we have 13 more aces than our opponents (40-27). However, that advantage is nullified when we look at the free points we are giving opponents. SFA has committed 64 service errors as opposed to 45 by our opponents. There's some simple math here. That's 'Plus 13' on aces and 'Minus 19' on service errors. Bottom line here is that the serving isn't helping us win matches at this point. By way of comparison, last year the team had substantially more aces than opponents while simultaneously having LESS service errors than the competition.

3. Matches like UC-Davis Can't Happen
Look, I know UC-Davis is a good club. But the truth is, we played better against Missouri State and Missouri State beat UC-Davis earlier in the tourney completed last week. Granted... Missouri State was on their own floor, but still, you get my point. Say what you will, but getting beat 25-14, 25-14, 25-13 is getting spanked. We were down 8-15 in each set - never really in any of them obviously. UC-Davis only committed six errors on 88 total attacks for the entire match. If you take the starting middle blockers out of the equation, SFA hit a ridiculous -.121 in the match. Without Bottles and Bailey we had only 10 kills coupled with 17 errors. To be an elite team in our conference, poor outings like that have to be kept to a minimum. That match took 66 minutes which is all you really need to know about it.

3 UP:

1. Back Row Defense Appears Solid
Ok, listen. Go back and read my previous posts on the Kuepker switch and the trust in Hanlan at libero. If I'm gonna shoot straight on the things above, then I have to be truthful down here too. I have been pleasantly surprised at Maddie Hanlan's adaptation to the college-level libero spot. I know, I know.. all the coaches are thinking "Nanny nanny boo-boo - we told you". It's not that I didn't trust what I was being told, but hey - Libero is the chief of the back row. Trust it to a freshman when you had one of the best liberos in the conference already? Just count me skeptical. Until now. Hanlan's averaging an even 4.00 digs per set and throw in Melissa Miksch at 3.54 dps and things look mighty secure on away-from-net defense. Hanlan's the #1 reason I am itching to see the team get back home. I want to see all this for myself - and I want the fans to see it too. The one game we've had at home both Hanlan and Miksch had 18 digs in just three sets. Getting that one exposure to that kind of production has left me antsy to see the back row play again. Hanlan and Miksch right now have me at the top of their fan clubs. And yes, I can hear the "What took ya so long?" comments from the coaches about now as well.

2. Daron hitting .268 - leading the team
When I did Ari's preview capsule back on August 14, I wrote "how scary are the middles on this team if Daron contributes significantly?" Well, Daron deserves every bit of playing time she is getting now and the middles on this team are really, really scary good. Daron's career hitting percentage coming into this year was .067, so I don't have to elaborate on just how much of an improvement we are witnessing here. She's already racked up more kills and attacks in the first nine games than she did in either of her previous seasons. We are watching a breakout and the benefits are going to be felt deep into the conference schedule. The thing is: This club does have the cast of characters to knock down balls. We've just got to find out who to set the ball to and in what frequency. Daron has stuck her hand up as if to say 'I can handle a heavier role'. I say we continue to give it to her. Daron's (along with Miksch's) improvement is a big reason we should be optimistic going into conference play in a couple weeks - along with getting KO back.

3. The two-headed setting attack is working
Many matches so far have seen the assist totals be evenly split between Kuepker and Buckner. I think this is evidence for the twin approach. Kuepker setting while the spot is in a back row rotation and Buckner setting when the spot jumps forward appears to be a good call from Debbie Humphreys so far. I've got a lot of questions about the setting position that I want to ask in weeks to come. I'll do an entry just on the setters at some point with the answers I get, but for now... this dual approach appears stable. One other tidbit from being in practice: More than a couple of times, I have watched assistant coach Erin McClanahan work with the setters. She often turns to one of Buckner and/or Lo and complements them on their decision making and distribution of balls. I am learning that the "smarts" of distributing balls to attackers in the proper way is underrated. Both of our setters seem to understand how to do this really well. They don't appear to just do things in a cold, formulaic way. They appear to do a good job of "taking what the defense gives" and optimizing the distribution of the attacks per teammate. The more I think about that job, the more difficult I realize it is. Buckner and Kuepker appear savvy in that regard.

Next week, I will begin previewing teams for conference play and soon I will try and have another set of interviews with both coaches and players. As always, if you have an idea - let me know. Recently, I have rekindled old conversations with former Ladyjack players. I am planning on taking a look at some of SFA's history and re-introducing you to some of the players that used to grace the court while wearing purple. At some point next week I will try and pass along an update on Kelsey. I am planning on talking with her directly when the team returns from Tulsa.

Finally, and I meant to do this weeks ago, thank you to those of you that spoke to me after the ULL match with kind words about this blog. Several fans and parents were complementary of the effort being made here. I truly appreciate that support. I also want to say this to any prep player that might just happen to be scanning sites like this: we are unique in how much coverage we give our team. Go check how much effort is being put out at other Southland schools to cover their squad. Read the game wraps and you'll see that Ben does a way better job than his competition when it comes to writing up stories at sfajacks.com. Then, go ask yourself if other schools we compete against have a forum such as this for their team. The answers you find should tell you something about SFA Volleyball.

All is Mel in Springfield

Talk about stepping up. Outside Hitter Kelsey Owens goes down - the very player I've tabbed as one of the major keys to our success - and what happens? Melissa Miksch decides to take over. Wow. I am loving it. Let's check out Miksch's last three games... all in three days time mind you:

Wednesday against ULL: 18 digs (career high which didn't even last 48 hours)

Friday morning against Mississippi State: A double-double on 11 kills and a match high/new career high 23 digs.

So what do we do for an encore?

Friday afternoon against Memphis: ANOTHER double-double on 12 kills, 14 digs.. and oh yeah... we'll just go ahead at hit a ridiculous .550 (12-1-20) while we are at it.

It is non debatable that Miksch has just had her best three days as a 'Jack. The fact that she and Arielle Daron are stepping up in Kelsey's absence is a tremendous sign. Fellow blogger Ben Rikard pointed out earlier this season that in a conversation with Coach Debbie Humphreys that Miksch was singled out as possibly the most improved player on the squad from last year. Based on what I have seen in a half-dozen or so practices I've attended told me that Daron might possibly deserve that label. Hey, there is room for everyone to be right here. To know that Mel and Ari can play like they have lately is a fantastic sign so early in the season.

No KO? Well, we want you back soon for sure. But for now...no worries.. all is Mel.

The Ladyjacks take down the SEC's Mississippi State 3-1 and then sweep Conference USA's Memphis. Tomorrow's scheduled victims are UC-Davis and host Missouri State.

'Jacks Sweep UL-Lafayette in Home Opener

SFA held UL-Lafayette to .084 hitting for the night and Sophomore Melissa Miksch had a career high 18 digs in a 3-0 sweep in the first match of the season at Johnson Coliseum.

After the match I talked with Coach Debbie Humphreys and she was quick to point out the solid play of Arielle Daron - a player the 'Jacks will be counting on more in 2009. Daron knocked down 6 balls with no attack errors. Just like in the NIU tourney, Daron was a valuable contributor to the offense. MC Bottles led the 'Jacks with 12 kills and Freshman Maddie Hanlan matched Miksch with 18 scoops of her own. SFA had seven total team blocks with Senior Ashley Bailey assisting on five blocks and Daron assisting on three.

Before the match I talked directly with the injured Kelsey Owens. The news on her appears positive. More than likely she'll be out for the upcoming road tourneys, but her timetable is in weeks, rather than months. That bodes well for having her back before conference play.

Miksch and Freshmen Sabrina Burns may be in-line to pick up the slack in KO's brief absence. Of course, Miksch's defense keeps her on the court for many rotations anyway. Burns killed four balls in nine attacks with only one error (.333). Miksch had five kills on the night to go along with her solid defensive effort.

The team was shaky in the opening set, but the hitting percentage improved after each switch, so that was positive. It was nice to see the team get a win when Williams-Roberts wasn't at her strongest (-.029). Amber was our offensive leader at various times last weekend, so getting her back on track in Missouri along with solid outputs from those mentioned above should put us in a good position to be competitive all weekend long.

The main thing is we got the "W". Hanlan did a great job passing and the serve-receive error tally was only one...the lowest of the year so far.

The team was certainly not firing on all cylinders, so its exciting to think what might happen when KO is back and we get a handful of players that really catch fire.

We'll post the Freshmen interviews here tomorrow. If you were in Johnson Coliseum tonight - thanks for your support. If you were in Nac and weren't there then shame on you. Make sure you get to the tournament we host on Sept. 18 and 19.

2009 Veteran Previews: Sophomores

This is the last in a series of three posts focusing on the returning Ladyjacks to this year's squad. The start of the season is fast approaching as the team heads for DeKalb, Illinois this time next week. It will be a semi-homecoming for three of the 'Jacks as Kuepker, Buckner and Franklin all call home within 130 miles of DeKalb - albeit in three different states.

Next on tap here at the blog will be interviews with our freshmen and comments on the recently released Southland Conference preseason polls (we are picked fourth or fifth depending on how you count). Also, since most of us won't be able to root on the Ladyjacks up North, we'll do the next best thing and scout an opponent: Make sure and join me next Saturday night, August 29 at 7:00 as I'll be in Huntsville to blog while watching Sam Houston take on our first home opponent, Louisiana-Lafayette. Our girls will be flying back to Texas at that point, so we'll be able to discuss our first four matches pre-game in Huntsville. Now, without delay... capsules on the three veterans beginning their second year in purple.


1 MC Bottles 6-0 Middle Blocker

Well, that didn't take long now did it?

I gotta admit something, here. I study more now than ever before. Volleyball, I mean. See, I'm writing this super-duper terrific blow your mind blog now [insert a wink and two thumbs up here] So, I uh....need to know stuff better than ever before.

Last year, the first time I actually SAW the new freshmen was about an hour-and-a-half before the home opener. Oh, I read about them and knew all the basic facts, but I hadn't watched them practice or sat and talked with coaches the way I have this year. Of course, last year the freshmen had to wait far too long to play in front of the home crowd because of a little problem called Ike. So, imagine my surprise when we finally get in Johnson Coliseum and Bottles hits .647 with only one error and blocks eight balls in her first ever home match.

I can still remember glancing down at Ben Rikard (SFA's Volleyball SID) during the match. He easily anticipated my about-to-be comment about Bottles play and without a word out of my mouth he says "Yeah, she's that good."

Yes, she is that good. First-team All-Southland Conference as a freshman says so. Third in the SLC with an insane .356 hitting percentage says so. Seventh in the SLC with 0.88 blocks per game says so.

Here's the scary thing: She's going to get better. Bottles just toys with people when running the slide. She's just murder on that type of attack. At times, virtually unstoppable. Defensively, she just always seems to get to her spot.

Kristy Rhodes, Middle Blocker: Southland Conference Player of the Year - 2001
Brittany Burton, Middle Blocker: Southland Conference Player of the Year -2004
Traci Rohde, Middle Blocker: Two-Time SLC First Team Selection (2006, 2007)

Do you see just a wee bit of history here? Can Bottles leave SFA in 2011 with her place in SFA Volleyball lore equal to those three? Probably so...and then some. If she manages good health during her three remaining years in the program, most folks close to SFA Volleyball would tell you she just might eclipse them all.

You know what's amazing? Watching the team - you just KNOW Bottles is a leader. It's very clear. She has the respect of everyone else involved. Rock Steady. To me, she is the most likely player we have on any given night to just come out and take over. There are going to be nights this year in the Coliseum where Bottles just lights people up. The match high for kills last year in the conference was 24. I am on record right now for saying MC puts up 25+ at least once this season.

Last week, I wrote that our other starting middle blocker, senior Ashley Bailey, has Conference MVP potential. The same is clearly true about Bottles. It's especially true when you consider she's got three shots at it. I'm sure she'd trade it for three SLC championships and eating Chipotle at the NCAA Tourney a few times, but any prestigious individual accolade MC garners during her career should surprise no one.

Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Rhodes, Burton, Rohde, Bottles. Sounds good to me.



5 Amber Williams-Roberts 5-9 Outside Hitter

You want a sleeper pick? Right here.

The list of veteran outside hitters on this team: Owens, Williams-Roberts, Miksch. Owens was profiled last week and she is as crucial a player as any to just how far the team goes in '09. Mel is previewed below. Amber got in about half of the actual games the club played last year (55) and swung .157 with 90 kills. All of those numbers should go up in 2009.

The 'Jacks outside hitters killed 872 balls last year. 64% of those kills belong to folks no longer wearing a jersey. It is no secret that the team has a big task in filling the spots vacated by '08 seniors Lauren Railey and Shelly Swendig. KO will take one of the OH spots, but the others are a little less clear.

That being said, Williams-Roberts becoming more of a go-to option on the outside would really be a nice complement to the attacks provided by Bailey, Bottles and Owens. Think of it this way: In football, if you have a pair of wideouts, a tight end, and a running back that can all catch the ball at various depths on the field, then what does that do? It opens the offense up. The quarterback has multiple targets and he can pick and choose how to slice up the defense.

Same thing, here. Bottles and Bailey are going to catch no one off guard. Everyone we play knows that they will get their sets. But see... Owens and Williams-Roberts could really open things up. Kuepker is smart. Buckner, too. If they get good passes and can just put two hands above their heads and start picking and choosing which slots at the net to put the ball in - and we get consistent success from the middles and the outsides...well, hello San Antonio - we'll have a side of guacamole with that top seed.

My point is: Williams-Roberts improving creates options. Options prevent defenses from keying on our middles.

A possible lineup card (granted, brought to you by sfavolleyblog.net, not Debbie Humphreys..and remember.. I'm 484 victories behind):

S Kuepker/Buckner
MB Bailey, Bottles
L Hanlan
OH Owens
Plus 2

Now, here's the great thing about that "Plus 2" and it also happens to be the great thing about Humphreys filling out the card and not me: she's got a lot of different combinations to look at for that "Plus 2".

Williams-Roberts and Daron
Williams-Roberts and a freshman OH
Daron and a freshman OH
Start Buckner at S and Lo on back row plus one of Williams-Roberts, Daron, Freshman.

See what I mean? In the end, you just need to find one of those that really works and you hope more than one does in case of the unforeseen. Watch for these various combinations and others during the tournaments. Humphreys will more than likely get a good long look at as many different rotation possibilities as she can to settle on optimal places for everyone come conference time.

But when you think about who the seven girls will be that start out on the floor, its easy to envision that Williams-Roberts name would be in there. She doesn't have to be in the top three on the club in kills, she just needs to step up and handle more rotations. She, along with KO, needs to be a viable option so that we have a true outside presence to complement our dominance in the middle.

I will add this: My only mildly trained eyes tell me that Williams-Roberts is indeed improved. She has looked really good in a few of the practices I've seen. Plus, one thing I just love about her - she is always smiling. Not goofing off...just keeping it light while working really hard. I admire that.

She will be an integral part of SFA Volleyball's success before she's done here. Right now? Maybe so. She's a good sleeper pick.


15 Melissa Miksch 5-9 Outside Hitter


OK, so I was over at Popeye's sucking down some chicken the other day and they've got all this crazy writing all over the wall. One of the phases written there in this fine establishment was "A little a 'dis...a little a 'dat".

A little of this. A little of that. That's Miksch. She provides depth on the outside. Humphreys raves about her improvement. Hey, she's really a good passer which makes her a more than adequate option for rotations where she can play on the back row. Oh, yeah.. that serve. Pretty darn nifty.

Everyone knows I'm a baseball guy.. and when I think of Mel, I think of utility players in baseball. You know what? Those are the kind of players that coaches love. You know at a minimum that she is going to get short bursts of court time to provide stabilization in one role or another. A little sluggish on back row tonight? "Oh, Mel... check in please." Need a big serve to gain some momentum... "Psst. Miss Miksch to the scorer's table....Miss Miksch to the scorer's table". She gets a hot hand on a few attacks? Let her roll.

If you have one thing you do, and you go cold on your one thing any given night, then what? You might as well sit your fanny on the pine. But see, that's not Miksch. She's not going to lead the team in kills or digs - although, she'll keep her share from bouncing off the floor. But, she is going to be an option for a spark.

You're loony in the head if you think these type players can't make a difference in a match. I hate to keep bringin' this game up, but last year against Lamar, Genevieve Gladle drops in two consecutive aces forcing a timeout from our side. Lamar goes on to put up four aces in that first and ugly set. We kicked their tail the next two sets, but we know how it ended. Those aces in that first set made a significant difference and without the momentum they provided, we might have very well wiped them back to the refineries 3-0.

Miksch isn't a big hitter or flashy blocker. She's not 6-3 and she's not overly vocal. She's a solid, sound volleyball player. She's got a little of this and a little of that. She was 5th on the team with 1.62 digs per game last year. I mentioned it when previewing Daron last week and it's worth saying again. Depth is good. Miksch fits in on this team in so many ways.

A good heist has to have the main burglars and a few lurking conspirators to pull everything off. Let's let MC, Lo, KO and crew be the criminals. Mel will do just fine being an accomplice to the crime.