#8 Cal vs #1 PennSt (1pm) - Elite 8 Open Thread
by danzig
on Dec 13, 2008 9:06 AM PST
161 comments
Our Volleyball team's in the Elite 8!
Today we take on #1 Penn State (Defending Nat Champs). TV broadcast is on ESPNU. Our friend PRD74 will be streaming the game. Tee-off is at 1pm PST or 4pm EST.
http://www.justin.tv/prd74test
How sweet it is to be back in the Elite 8
Despite only being 6'1, Amra has got some ridiculous hops
Yesterday we knocked off the #9 seed Illinois 25-22, 25-22, 25-22... the closest game possible is 25-23, 25-23, 25-23... so we were definitely cutting it close there.
Penn St. fans will be out in force - they're the defending champs
Today we take on #1 Penn St at Penn St!... They're 30-0 and have not lost a single set. We are big underdogs, but if we can pull off a miracle, it would go down as the greatest game of Volleyball in our school history.
NCAA RANKINGS
CALIFORNIA
#8 - USA TODAY POLL
#3 - Assists per set
#7 - Hitting %
#3 - Kills per set
#25 - Blocks per set
PENN STATE
#1 - USA TODAY POLL
#2 - Assists per set
#1 - Hitting %
#2 - Kill per set
#1 - Blocks per set
PLAYER SIZE
CALIFORNIA
6'4: Hana Chutra - Outside hitter
6'3: Tara Murray - Outside hitter
6'2: Mindy Wiley - Middle blocker
6'2: Kat Riley - Middle blocker
5'11: Carli Lloyd - Setter
5'6: Kristin Kathan - Libero
PENN STATE
6'4: Nicole Fawcett - Outside hitter
6'5: Katie Kabbes - Outside hitter
6'5: Blair Brown - Middle blocker
6'3: Arielle Wilson - Middle blocker
6'0: Alicia Glass - Setter
5'8: Roberta Holehouse - Libero
KEYS TO THE GAME
As you can see, we match up very well in terms of Power Hitting and Kills. However, Penn State has a HUGE size advantage. Those girls are MONSTERS... literally. Their size allows them to be the best blocking team in the NCAA... while we only rank #25. For us to win this game we have to do the following:
- Move the ball... getting around their 6'5 blockers will make or break this match. Carli needs to move the ball around because we know Hana will be covered constantly.
- Amra and Tara have to step up. With three different 6'5 players trying to block Hana, Amra and Tara have to step up and be accurate with their spikes... NO MISTAKES.
- Have confidence - I know Penn St. seems unbeatable... but they have weaknesses... primarily, they're slow (due to their size)... Every team can be beat... sometimes all you need to do is not believe in your opponent's invincibility.
WHY TO WATCH
http://www.justin.tv/prd74test
These girls have played their hearts out to get here... and it's been a long season of ups and downs... and frankly not many people thought they'd be here. The least we can do is watch them one more time.
Secondly, they have a chance to knock off the best Volleyball team in the history of the NCAA... today THEY CAN MAKE HISTORY.
GO BEARS!
Here's the 1st round video again while we wait.
The opinions expressed in a FanPost are, in every way, reflective of the opinions of every California Golden Blogs Marshawnthusiast. Moreover, they are reflective of every employee of SBNation, including Tyler "Blez" Bleszinski.
0 recs |
161 comments
Email
Print
Comments
I'll be watching this after
the HS All-Star game I mentioned in the DBD… on FSN PT at 11am
Go Bears!
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 9:24 AM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Matches only last about an hour and a half… so if you can watch the stream while you’re watching the tube you can keep an eye on both.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 10:20 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
holy crap those penn state girls are TALL.
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
by ch0ster on
Dec 13, 2008 10:05 AM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
When I said they were monsters, I wasn’t kidding…. they’re the biggest team in the NCAA… I think they’re bigger than many men’s teams. Hell, our team is considered a big team… but against these gals, we’re just average.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 10:19 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
The bigger they are… The harder they fall.
They’ll be Cryin’ Nittany Lions (Lionesses) after this one.
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 11:41 AM PST
up
reply
actions
1 recs
Thank you twist. This is a huge game for us and it would be great for us fans to witness it.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 10:38 AM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Fans are already on the PRD74 Channel
Can anyone see the stream? I’m getting the chat but not the stream.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 12:56 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
It's starting now...
the VCU game is over.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:08 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
With our luck this season they’ll hit a buzzer beater and send it into OT.
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 1:06 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
TOOT TOOT 7-1
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:10 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
The pain train plays volleyball too?!?!
It's spelled "S-H-U-C-F-A-D-O-D-N-C-S"
Please, ask me about CFADODNCS.
by JShufelt on
Dec 13, 2008 1:10 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
The pain train is omnipresent.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:18 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
you have to use words that Oregon fans will know…
The Maharg makes me look like an idiot.
by carp on
Dec 13, 2008 1:19 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
They give tasty gifts?
It's spelled "S-H-U-C-F-A-D-O-D-N-C-S"
Please, ask me about CFADODNCS.
by JShufelt on
Dec 13, 2008 1:19 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
yes.
the pain train gives tasty gifts.
on 2nd note, something I’ve been meaning to ask you for a long time:
what are CFADODNCS?
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:21 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
BRING THE PAIN BEARS
CAN WE GET A BEAR TERRITORY IN THEIR HOUSE??!!?!
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:11 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
did we bring our band? I think I can hear them.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:21 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
me too. I hear “Big C”.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:24 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I don't think they are there
At the New Mexico State game at Haas the Cal Band played half the time and the New Mexico State song was played over the speakers the other half of the time.
by Calnet on
Dec 13, 2008 1:33 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
really? I’ve never heard an opponent’s fight song played over the PA at any event.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:34 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I think there are special rules for the NCAA tournament.
by Calnet on
Dec 13, 2008 1:39 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Wow… this is surprising… I’ve haven’t seen Penn down this much… and I’ve seen three of their games this year.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:11 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Will we better or worse next year, danzig?
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:14 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
about the same... we have all our starters returning
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:16 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I thought Reilly and Beck were seniors?
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:17 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
GO….
BEARS….
The Maharg makes me look like an idiot.
by carp on
Dec 13, 2008 1:19 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Bears have to win this set to have any chance right?
They blow the lead and they’re done.
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 1:21 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
way to jinx everything.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:22 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
You have a strange definition of jinx.
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 1:23 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
fine. way to….uhhh….verbally manipulate the outcome.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:26 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
6 Bro!
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:21 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Calm Down Girls...
So far, I don’t see a talent difference. Then again, I don’t have a trained eye.
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:23 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
the only major diff is the blocking… they’re #1 in blocking
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:24 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I can see that
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:25 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Answer Back! ANSWER BACK!
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:26 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
That shit was out!
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:26 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
I STILL MAINTAIN THAT SHIT WAS OUT!
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:32 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
because they volunteered to host the regionals.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:27 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
They’re the #1 seed, so they get to host the regional… the final four is at a neutral site.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:27 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
is it the #1 seed that hosts the regional? our women’s BB team is hosting a regional and we don’t don’t what seed they are yet.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:28 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Don’t know, but last year they were seeded #1 and they hosted the regional…
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:30 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Typical Cal fandom
C’mon we’re in this with a team taht’s never even dropped a set! Let’s do this
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:28 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
At least we showed we can play with them.
We still have a shot.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:29 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Two missed points
And a few faults. I guess that’s why PSU is #1 and Cal is 8th.
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 1:29 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
We have the hitting to beat them… it’s just that their defense is better.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:31 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
We PWNED the 'Furd on the Furm
We can win
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:31 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Is loud, raucousfan behavior acceptable at games?
I’m going to get to one when I can
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:30 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Carli blocked that shit!
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:35 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Angles good, middle bad
Think I’ve figured out the basic strategy.
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 1:37 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Why can't we serve?
What the hell?
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 1:39 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Who else thinks Murrey's pretty fiine too?
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:40 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
there are very few on our team who aren’t.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:42 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
she's kinda pretty from certain angles.
Ugliest team – Texas.
Hottest team – ours, really.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:41 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
We need some trick plays
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:42 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Absolutely... our team is too straightforward
We’re a pure power team… but what if the other team’s defense is good… we need to use more misdirection
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:43 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Time for a Hitch n Pitch
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:46 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Danzig, I get the fact that we’re getting blocked. What the hell is happening to our serve?
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 1:43 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Nerves....
But Mindy has been having probs… but Hana has been great and she never serves out… I don’t know what’s wrong.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:44 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
No more Lollipops, I agree Karch
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:46 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
They won't be able to jump so well if we extend these games
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:47 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
that’s a huge part of the strategy…saving your legs. You jump up to 180 to 200 times per match… so you def get hosed towards the end.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:48 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Kat isn't jumping well
we need to move Hana to Middle and just let Amra hit on the outside.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:47 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
THERE'S BIG C
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:49 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Is that our band I hear in teh background?
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:49 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
YUP
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:50 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Let's recruit some 6'7" transvestites
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:53 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
HEY WE CAN'T BEAT PENN STATE AND THE REFS
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 1:55 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
MOTHERFUEJNHSKLKG GOODDDAMMEN PEIICE OF SHHHHERITTT ASSSHWWWWHIPPEEFF REFSSSS… HOME FIELD ADVANNTWGE MOTHERFEUUCKENN SHIIITT!!
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:58 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Well, it was a good season....
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 1:55 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
It’s not over… we’ve gone on 3 set runs this season… they know how to come back.. but we need to figure out this defense. It’s about what adjustments Feller makes during Halftime.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:56 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Crap
The moment we pay attention to Cal volleyball they blow it. Figures.
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 1:56 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Ha….that’s some typical Cal superstition
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 1:57 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Why else do you think the rugby team is so successful?
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 1:58 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
You have a good point here.
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 2:02 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Gotta be honest here.. Haven’t shaved my balls since we entered the NCAA tourney… doesn’t seem to be working today.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 2:03 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
We’re in the same boat here… except I haven’t changed my underoos.
Itchy!
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 2:04 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Better get the razors going before the third set.
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 2:05 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Good idea… that’s gotta work. I’m off to the bathroom!
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 2:06 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
They get so fucking lucky on their serves that hit the net
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 2:10 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
WOW
Killing ourselves
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 2:13 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
WTF
Why do their net serves always go over???
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 2:16 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
I’m taking it to the Max
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 2:17 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Yeah it looks like they put everything into that initial surge. And now they’re just flailing.
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 2:20 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Their blocking took away our power game… they took us out of our offense.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 2:25 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
great point
The Bear will not quit, the Bear will not die
by Calfan on
Dec 13, 2008 2:21 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
PRIDE
WE PLAY FOR PRIDE
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 2:21 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Damn
Morgan is F I N E
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 2:23 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
JPEGs?
The Maharg makes me look like an idiot.
by carp on
Dec 13, 2008 4:23 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
They're man covering Hana
we used mis direction there
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 2:26 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Damn.
We need to get a better seeding next year.
You ain't got it like Marshawn got it
by Thoroughbred on
Dec 13, 2008 2:29 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Absolutely true...
We needed to be in Washington’s bracket or in Texas’ bracket… then we only fear getting knocked out in the final4.
We get Pennst @ Pennst??? WTF!
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 2:31 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
They really had great fan support. That gym was packed, they had a decent sized band and the crowd was making noise. I hope we get the opportunity to host a regional sometime in the future.
Go Bears!
by RollOnYouBears667 on
Dec 13, 2008 5:30 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Looking forward to your writeup danzig
Hopefully you’re not too harsh.
by BearsNecessity on
Dec 13, 2008 2:34 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
After I take the samuari sword out of my belly, I’ll get to it. I still love our team though… they’re badass.
by danzig on
Dec 13, 2008 2:39 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
true dat
I still love our team though… they’re badass.
This was a painful loss. It’s a gut-wrenching end to the season because at times the team’s upside seemed almost unlimited. And of course that first set got all our hopes up so high.
But before we wallow too much, let’s acknowledge what a bunch of rock stars our girls are. They had a killer season (best in program history!), took down ‘furd at the farm, played PSU about as tough as anyone has or could, and just came up a little short of a momentum-changer that might have propelled them to the semis again. That’s a season to be proud of.
Huzzah to you, Cal Women’s Volleyball. Go Bears!
Who's your Draddy?
by Calfan on
Dec 13, 2008 2:52 PM PST
up
reply
actions
3 recs
Damn. My dad went to Penn state. We couldnt find hte game, but were talking trash. Now, he gets the last laugh!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Dec 13, 2008 3:51 PM PST
reply
actions
0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
New FanPost
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
