Illini Volleyball 2024

#3      
GrayGhost77
madillini4 said:
Gotta say, it’s very disappointing how far the Illini volleyball program has fallen since they blew that national title.
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"Blew it" is pretty strong. They just happened to run into a juggernaut in Ped State that year. They were a dynasty. But yes, the Tamas hire hasn't gone as well as hoped. Gotta figure his seat is fairly warm at this point.
 
#5      
GatorMcKlusky
What's hard to understand is that the best setter in the world, Jordyn Poulter, was coached by Tamas, yet he has had a hard time recruiting a decent setter since she graduated. Makes no sense.
 
#7      
Fan Since '70
madillini4 said:
Gotta say, it’s very disappointing how far the Illini volleyball program has fallen since they blew that national title.
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Illini should have won the match against UCLA (after beating #1 USC). They definitely had the talent. The 32-4 2018 Poulter, Quade, Fleming, Bastianelli, Cooney, etc team was talented enough to win NCAA but faltered against Nebraska 3-2 in NCAA tournament. Tamas did okay with Hambly's recruits in 2018 but never could recruit the top talent needed to compete with likes of Nebraska, Wisconsin, Stanford, etc. Nebraska recruits an embarrassment of riches year in year out while Tamas just can't field enough high end comparable talent to be true contenders with top programs. Going into year 7, it may be time to move on from Tamas at conclusion of season. Illinois when recruiting well has come close to being at the top (and been ranked #1 during season). Need a coach that can recruit.
 
#8      
UCantHideYer
Definite embarrassment of riches. Doesn't Nebraska pull in 5 or 6 top ten freshmen every year? Not sure if Coach Karch & some serious NIL $ could break into that league. Looks like we did it in basketball though, so let's try!
 
#11      
UCantHideYer
Looked great in sweep. Heavily ran with freshman and transfers. Ashlyn Philpot looked terrific as the middle. Ran the slide some. Laynie Smith really effective. Avery Hernandez (NW transfer) played big minutes and looked great. We were not all Raina. Brooke Mosher taking a lot of swings upfront. And her serve was wicked enough for me to back away from my monitor a bit. We had a lot of aces and I don't believe Cincy had any.
 
#17      
oldman
Two freshmen, Ashlyn and Laynie, and two transfers, Averie and CMM, have really upgraded the talent. There have been struggles becoming adept at running a fast tempo offense, but once they figure it out this team could be something special.
 
#18      
Fan Since '70
Illini Volleyball is much more dangerous and dynamic when the setters spread the ball around to multiple hitters including the middles. Nice balanced scoring and a a lot of blocks allows the Illini to build up leads and match up with the better teams. Digs and service returns have to ramp up too and Illini can contend.
 
#24      
UCantHideYer
pruman91 said:
I was watching it until the FB game started and missed the last 2 sets.........great comeback Ladies ..........5-0 so far...........
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Had to stay off Loyalty to watch my FB recording after the VBall reverse sweep. Gutsy win on a day where luck & officiating were definitely not on our side. Iowa St got that second chance on the miracle touch call at end. Could have swung it, but we overcame the call. WTG ladies!
 
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