in Pitt Football 1,105 Words

Women’s Volleyball; Who’s Up Next?

Another solid piece by John in SC.

Pitt’s women volleyball team next opponent is the Minnesota Golden Gophers of the mighty Big Ten Conference.  The match starts at 1:00 PM on Sunday, April 17th, and will be streamed on ESPN3 just like the first two Pitt matches in the tournament.  Pitt and Minnesota have split the two matches they played each other over the years.  This year Minnesota finished second in their conference.

Hugh McCutcheon is the Gophers’ coach.  Prior to coming to Minnesota, he was the U.S. men’s and women’s national indoor volleyball teams coach at different times.  He led the men’s team to a gold medal in the 2008 and the women’s team to a silver medal in 2012.  His resume is quite extensive.  In short, he is very good at his job!

Minnesota has a record of 16-2.  They are ranked #3 in the nation and were seeded #3 in the tournament.  They have played one match in the tournament, a three-set sweep over #23 Georgia Tech.  Other wins over ranked teams include one win over #4 Nebraska along with two wins over #9 Purdue and #12 Penn State.  Their two losses are to #1 Wisconsin and #4 Nebraska.  Big Ten Women’s Volleyball had all kinds of Covid problems so Minnesota never played #8 Ohio State and only played one match against #1 Wisconsin.  The six Big 10 teams mentioned all made the tournament, were all seeded, and are all still playing.  The Big Ten placed the most teams of any conference in the tournament.

The Gophers hitting percentage is 0.267 and the are holding their opponents to 0.190.  They serve very well with 99 aces versus 79 errors.  They average 2.8 blocks per set versus Pitt’s 2.6.  #10 Stephanie Samedy, 6’2”, is their leader.  She is an All American, the Big Ten player of the year, and has a multitude of additional awards.  #21 Regan Pittman, 6’5” and #12 Taylor Landfair, 6’5”, were also on the First Team All Big Ten team.  #20 Adanna Rollins, 6’0” was on the Second Team. 

Landfair and # 5 Melani Shaffermaster, 6’3”, were on the Big Ten All-Freshman team.  Shaffermaster is their setter.  They only use one setter and she is not a liability on the front row with her extraordinary height for a setter.

There are four main hitters for the Gophers: Samedy, Landfair, Rollins, and Pittman.  All four of them are also among their leading blockers along with Shaffermaster, their setter.  Another blocker of note is #9 Shea Rubright, 6’5”.

This is what Pitt faces on paper.  Minnesota is very well coached.  They have very tall, excellent players.  Their setter is an important part of their front row blocking scheme.  They have faced a very tough regular season schedule and are used to a high level of competition.  On paper things look rather bleak for Pitt.

Not so fast!  While Minnesota swept Georgia Tech in three sets, Georgia Tech did not go down quietly.  The scores of the three sets were 25-19, 25-21, and 25-18.  Pitt in their only meeting with Georgia Tech this year also swept Georgia Tech.  The scores of those three sets were: 25-19, 25-23, and 25-19. 

There is not that much difference between these two victories although Pitt’s victory was in Pittsburgh.  Pitt held Tech to a 0.145 hitting percentage whereas Minnesota held them to a 0.169 hitting percentage.

So, what should Pitt’s strategy be to defeat Minnesota?  First thing is not to be intimidated by Minnesota! 

Pitt’s players need to go into the match with a chip on their shoulder and be ready!  Minnesota’s players will probably be a bit overconfident.  After all they just beat another team from that weak ACC conference.  Pitt sweeping #10 Utah may have turned the overconfidence down a notch but hopefully not much.

Pitt cannot try to hit over Minnesota’s front line.  They need to look for gaps and try to tool the ball off their blocks.  They can do this by hitting the ball with spin at angle into the block.  Pitt’s setters need to move the ball to hitters that are one-on-one with blockers.  Another thing Pitt will be doing on the attack is hitting from the back row.  Pitt’s blockers are going to have to use their legs to even out the height disadvantage.

Pitt needs to try to keep the Golden Gophers out of system.  Against Utah that was done by serving to their libero.  I seriously doubt that would work with a Big Ten libero.  Due to their height Pitt needs keep their serves low to the back row.  Make them go down to receive the serve.

Similar to their strategy with Utah, Pitt needs to not let Samedy, their leader, dominate the game.  She will have good stats at the end of the day but Pitt needs to make her work for every point.  Frustrating Samedy may carry over to the rest of the team.  The secondary player Pitt needs to concentrate on is Landfair.  Unfortunately, even if Pitt can control both of them, Minnesota can win the match with their secondary players.  They are deep enough to do that.

There is no way Pitt is going to win this match in three sets.  They could lose it in three though if they do not start well.  They may win it in four sets though.  Ideally Pitt wins the first set.  This would blow the confidence of Minnesota.  Pitt could then take two of the next three sets.  Pitt may be able to win a five-set match also.  This is especially true if Pit wins the fourth set.  To do this though Pitt needs to come out quickly in the last set and end it at 15.

Here are what I feel the percentages are of Pitt winning the match based on the number of sets.  This presumes Pitt serves as well as they have so far in the tournament.  In a three-set match Pitt has a 0% chance.  This means Pitt got blown out.  In a four-set match, I think Pitt has a 50% chance of winning.  In a five-set match Pitt has a 40% chance of winning.  Pitt’s best chance of winning is winning the first set in a four-set match.  I would give Pitt a 60% chance of winning in that scenario.  Bring on those Gophers!

Hail to Pitt! 

138 thoughts on “Women’s Volleyball; Who’s Up Next?”

  1. Thanks for laying it out for us, John.

    Our women will have their hands full. But at this level that’s what you expect.

    H2P!!

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  2. Thank you for the preview, John. At this point I see Pitt Volleyball playing with house money. Hard to be critical or disappointed with any outcome from here. Just hope for the best.

    On an unrelated note, Pitt softball is leading North Carolina, 6-4, after 4. The game is televised on ACCN.

    Liked by 4 people

  3. Some tall Gophers at the net. Pitt’s 2 Killers, Kayla & Chinaza are gonna have to kill them from the back row.
    Most times the taller girls are not as nimble, as the shorter ones. Much like in basketball.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Pitt’s Coach, Dan Fisher also has a very impressive resume and won a Gold medal as HC of Team USA at the 2015 Pan Am Games, as well as a NAIA National Championship at Concordia U, their first ever title.
    Dan has a .790 winning % at Pitt.

    Pitt has him signed until 2027.

    A two-time ACC and American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) East Region Coach Region of the Year (2017, 2018), Fisher has elevated the Panthers to unprecedented heights. He has guided the team to the NCAA Tournament more than any coach in program history (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). He was instrumental in Pitt’s bid to host NCAA Volleyball Tournament matches at Petersen Events Center (2018, 2019), and led the Panthers to their highest postseason seed in program history at No. 6 in 2019.

    An accomplished coach at every level of the game, Fisher’s coaching résumé includes an NAIA National Championship at Concordia (2012) with two national title match appearances (2011, 2012). Additionally, he earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2015 Pan Am Games. Over the last 20 years his involvement with USA Volleyball has been extensive, ranging from his time as a player (2000, 2001), to an assistant coach (2006, 2007, 2012) to a head coach (2015, 2016, 2019, 2020).

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Yes, Pitt has a good a coach as anyone! Just wanted to let everyone know how good the Gophers coach was. Annie had also mentioned in it the comments in the prior article.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. At the beginning of the tournament the selection committee ranks who they think are the top 16 teams. Pitt was unranked (un-seeded). Today Michele Chester from NCAA.com re-ranked the tournament’s remaining 16 teams. Look where she ranked Pitt and compare it to ACC’s champs Louisville and perennial powerhouse Penn State. Her analysis of Pitt begins at minute 3:00.
    https://www.ncaa.com/news/volleyball-women/article/2021-04-16/2021-college-volleyball-rankings-top-16-re-ranked

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Glad she has Pitt reranked higher than Pedo State.

      However while she mentions key(star) players of other teams, she failed to recognize Pitt’s 2 stars and Kayla’s incredible .467 hitting % in Pitt’s win over Utah.

      Shame on you Michelle.

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    2. Thanks for the link. I watched the video and noticed only Psu had a still. All the other teams had a video of the game ending point & a little of the celebration.

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  8. Pitt Baseball postpones their game tonight against UNC until tomorrow due to inclement weather. How much different can the weather be in their stadium next door to the softball stadium? Calling MajorMajors, calling MajorMajors!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. I think it may have something to do with the softball season is pretty much mathematically over – the game did not mean anything. However, the baseball season is rolling with a ranked team and the weather was factored into the equation of play or not.

        Regardless, it is 39 degrees in central PA and I tee off in a few short hours. I’m not on scholarship but I love the entertainment value & competition of golfing with three friends. Projected to be 41 degrees as I enter the tee box.

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        1. I do not know how you and Fran can play in that weather. Have fun. I know you are not playing with Fran today, but both of you guys play in crazy conditions.

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          1. You know my handicap – let’s just say I beat a 6 and 9 handicap straight up today.

            Lol!

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  9. I know little but believe in VB the team really can benefit from having a coach who had that high level of play on his own resume

    some sports translate far more than others in that way, right?

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    1. I think all sports benefit by having a coach who has played the sport. The coach doesn’t have to have been an elite athlete.

      But generally if you are coaching a league or division, you want a coach who has played at that level. For instance, if you coach division 1 football, good to have played in division 1. If you coach nba, good to have played a few years in the nba.

      You don’t have to be great as a player to make a great coach.

      Your journey and collective experiences are more important. I always look at your coaching tree.

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  10. John, thanks so much for the article and enlightening me on a rule change that had me confused (we had to control the serve to be able to score during my time on the 1969 co-ed VB intramural championship team at Apollo HS…anchored by Jeanie Woods who became Mrs. BigB(…and Annie-thank you too…hope the ladies continue there winning ways !!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We are blessed to have writers like John in SC and dan72 as “coaches” on the POV. Everyday is a new opportunity to learn… so thank again for the continuing education!

      Liked by 2 people

  11. BTW, Aaron Donald was vindicated today when videos showed that he did not assault a man who accused Donald of punching him outside a Southside bar. Turns out that Donald actually broke up a fight where his accuser was being pummeled by several others.

    His accuser has apologized.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. His accuser should be jailed for filing a false complaint.

      Heather can now go back to putting AD’s name back on the weight room at the south side facilities.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. In other news, Pine Richland HS students walked out of class today in support of their ex-coach.

    And Eric Kasperowicz has reapplied for his job as head coach.

    Firing appears to be the result of a political power struggle among the PR administration.

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  13. If you want to be the best, you need to play and beat the best. Minnesota is a very good team and most likely wins in five sets. Minnesota is tall and athletic. But Pitt could pull off an upset. They are peaking at the right time.

    Here’s a good article on pitt soccer. A preview with clemson in the ACC championship game tomorrow. I like the authors prediction.

    https://pittnews.com/article/165119/sports/preview-pitt-mens-soccer-to-avenge-previous-loss-to-clemson-in-saturday-rematch/

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  14. Liked by 2 people

  15. In other news, Pine Richland HS students walked out of class today in support of their ex-coach.

    And Eric Kasperowicz has reapplied for his job as head coach.

    Firing appears to be the result of a power struggle among the PR administration.

    Like

    1. Why anyone would coach high school sports is beyond me. Given the administration, the board and the parents.

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    1. Thanks Reed, I had wondered why Mack’s production was way off last year. If he returns to form the receivers look much better. Also hoping that Krull is the real deal. KP should be able to spread the ball around.

      I think the pundits are wrong. The offense will be better and the defense will hold its own, even though some good guys left, plenty in reserve.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. The pirates have home plate under glass and the outfield wall from Forbes field to help remember the past. Does Pitt have anything inside or outside the Pete to comemerate old Pitt stadium?

    Like maybe the place where gottfried dove on his players in the end zone after billy Owens intercepted penn state and ran it back 69 yards to seal the win with Pitts first shutout of the Nitters in over 30 years.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Only a few kids will be able to capitalize on name, image and likeness rights. And all will have a huge tax bill surprise.

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  22. A little late in thanking you for the analysis, John in SC. I see most folks have moved on. I, however, am struck by the fact, that after watching replays of both women’s volleyball victories over LIU and the Utes, I am starting to identify the various players, identify with them, recognize their style of play and not want them to lose. I guess that makes me a fair-weather fan of the team as I am with Pitt’s FB and BB teams. So, I’ll be looking forward to yours or Annie’s analysis of Pitt’s victory against the Golden Gophers (what kind of a name for a team is that, anyway). I can then watch the replay knowing full well that whatever happens, happens with a Pitt victory. H2P’s women’s volleyball team.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You’re not a fair weather fan. Pitt is a fair weather sports school. Always dipping their toes into the water and complaining that it’s too cold.

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      1. Pitt needs to go all in. Like Texas Holdem. Like swinging on a rope from a cliff butt naked into the lake. But again, this is pitt we’re talking about.

        Tex – whose done both

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  24. And why did they even have Narduzzi speak?

    I’m assuming Capel wasn’t invited to participate. 🤠

    It’s great that some (5 out of 17) minor sports are doing well. In fact, I only donate to three Olympic sports. But, football pays the bills. All the focus should be there because it is THE brand.

    Without a financially strong football program, these secondary sports get the axe.

    I’ll be rooting for Pitt soccer today in the ACC championship. Rooting for Pitt baseball in their double header today. And rooting for volleyball tomorrow.

    And rooting as always for a new head football coach.

    🍝

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  26. Billy’s cracker started to slip about a decade ago. And driving drunk into a giant eagle doesn’t help matters. And I thought I had problems. 🥃

    Rob would be a good choice. But he’s no Billy. Billy ranks up there with mike Lange and bob prince.

    Tex who doesn’t trust a man that doesn’t smoke or drink

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  27. Somewhat OT, but it’s good to hear the true proper Aaron Donald story coming out—he was actually trying to help the drunk man who hit him on the head with a bottle! It was difficult to believe the AD was responsible for what he was accused of.. Many pro athletes would probably decide to sue the man for defamation of character. I suspect Aaron Donald will not even do that.
    Let’s all root hard for women’s VB and men’s soccer!!
    I’m getting the feeling that Tex doesn’t care for Narduzzi? 🥸

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    1. I will volunteer to be his taxi driver on a one way ticket out of town to Youngstown. He can listen to me talk about his mediocrity, poor hiring practices, awful player development, recruiting against the like of Elon and gutless play calling like the fourth and goal at penn state.

      We could also play a game of lock the gates during the drive. I’ll serve Fantas as refreshments.

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  28. Pitt has the offensive player of the year, and the defensive and the rookie. What sport am I alluding to? Winner gets a swig of bourbon and some Texas swag at the clemson football tailgate.

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    1. Mix the weather with some good starting pitching and solid hitting, you will beat the southerners at their own game.

      I want to throw out the first pitch at the regional when or if Pitt makes it.

      Tex can join me and throw out one of two Pitt high profile-underachieving head coaches.

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  33. I had three or four rather long conversations with Aaron Donald when he was at Pitt – when I heard that first story I knew it wasn’t true. He’s a real gentleman.

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    1. Isn’t this fun to have an actual group interest in the smaller sports? I never really gave them a second thought before – even basketball wasn’t really on my radar. But now because you all have written and sent in such great articles I find myself looking forward to the volleyball, soccer and baseball games.

      Liked by 3 people

  36. Reed, just jumped out of the shower and was going to write a comment very similar to yours. John, Tex and Annie have all stepped way up and join the likes of Richard and others. It takes a village to raise a Blog. Thanks to all!

    ike

    Liked by 1 person

  43. Jordan Lockwood is tapping the ball over the net instead of hitting it. Ugh.10-15 Minn. Pitt with hitting errors, Minn with strong kills -we aren’t passing well.

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  74. Woo hoo! Announcers were talking earlier about how the BIG hasn’t lost a set yet. Well, they were all seeded and played lesser teams. Yes, they shouldn’t have lost sets. Pitt needs to keep the pressure on, eliminate the service errors and misplayed serve receive. Watch the tip over the block into the center hole of the court.

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  88. Pitt loses set 3 25-20. Minn is a smart team, very powerful, and our back line is not having a good game. Gonna be hard to pull this out.

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  90. Pitt on a little run up 9-6 after an ace and a couple nice kills from Lund and Starks. Minn calls TO

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  112. Pitt challenging call to replay the point. Looks like Pitt won the point, and whistle blown to stop play. May not have been the end of the play.

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