Posted by Theresa, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Oct 20, 2008 at 12:19 pm

I watched both teams play the University of Oregon a few weeks ago, and predicted this outcome -- Cal in 4. I figured Cal would struggle a bit in the first set because they play so many freshmen, and the Maples floor takes a little while to get used to. It's not as bouncy as it used to be, but it's one of the springiest floors in use, so there's definitely a home court advantage.

Though both teams beat Oregon in 3 sets, Cal's win was a whomping while Stanford's was much closer. Stanford's 6-2 offense just doesn't click the way Cal's does -- Cal definitely wins the battle of the setters as Carli Lloyd is phenomenal.

I think Stanford played Cal's big outside, Hana Cutura, well, but couldn't get a handle on Tarrah Murrey or Am'ra Solomon. Stanford's libero, Gabi Ailes, did everything she could, but with all those holes in the block (especially when Akinradewo was off the court) there was just too much floor for her to cover.

I expect the next meeting between these two programs to finish with the same set record (Cal 3-1) unless Stanford finds a way to solve their setting problem.

Posted by GWS, a resident of another community, on Nov 2, 2008 at 10:50 am

Theresa, you know your stuff! Plus you traveled to Oregon. You a scout or a ref or what? Or perhaps a writer?