Bottom line, we are very talented. Very impressive in how even and consistent the team was with so many different lineups. Kansas, who is a quality opponent but with a new coach and a team that lost a lot from last year, but they are talented and Ulmer is a top coach, Kansas went on very few runs.
Setters were impressive, offense was a little faster and really worked the middle. Reilly will be the starter, but Flynn was impressive and will push Reilly. Flynn is more aggressive and will attack on the 2nd hit often.
Middles, well are awesome, I think we have the best middles in the country. Jackson was even more impressive, the back row attack when she serves was a highlight. Allick was very good offensively, better control, less error, fewer tips. Blocks weren't great, but that is expected with so much variance in the lineup, that will improve when the lineup gets cleared up, fine for the Spring.
Outsides, Murray is still a 6 rotation stud. Sigler certainly appears that she will be a 6 rotation stud as well, but that doesn't guarantee playing time. Landfair was impressive at times and just to passive at others. When Landfair is on she is deadly, it just isn't consistent. Wouldn't be surprised to see them share playing time this season.
Opposite was a concern, but Hunter was very impressive. I thought she'd be RS this season due to her just coming back from ACL reconstruction, but I was wrong, sure don't see her RSing and right now I'd say she is the starting Opposite. She was very impressive, hit a really heavy ball. Sczech from Baylor comes in this Summer and she is going to have to really work to overtake Hunter, either way good for us, not worried about Opposite now.
Libero, could go either way, Choboy and Mauch will both do a good job. Could come down to personality according to DBK, might be who the team needs on that particular day. Other DSs both played well with Leimbach and Boesiger we are in great shape with quality littles.
Skyler Pierce played Opposite, but that's not suppose to be her strength as she is an OH. I think she is just going to be the player without a spot. Hunter clearly outplayed her at Opposite today and Sczech has 4 years of quality Opp experience so I don't think Pierce will beat either of them. I don't see Pierce beating out Landfair or Sigler for time at OH with Murray either. It's a bummer as I really like Pierce, but that's what happens when you recruit at this level.
We've got a ton of talent, adding the two freshmen MBs this summer won't change much, I'm assuming one will RS and one will not and be a backup that plays a little. Sczech will probably play some, how much depends on if Hunter continues to impress or comes back to earth a bit.
Expectations for this team are sky high and deservedly so, the talent is as good as any team in the country.