In this issue

Announcements

Get To Know The Gophers

Upcoming Match Previews

National Rankings

National Update

Big Ten Update

Lot’s O’ Links

Contact Us

Coach’s Corner

Dear Golddiggers:’

Here we are in early November with an 18-6 record and sitting in a tie for third place in our conference at 8-4. How many of you would have taken this if it were offered to you in early August…especially given our tough non conference schedule? I don’t know either. But it is an interesting question. It forces each of us to think about our preseason expectations for this team and whether or not the team’s performance has lived up to these expectations.

Personally, I am quite satisfied with the season long body of work by the Gophers. We have chalked up some very impressive wins. But like you, I am frustrated by a couple of difficult road losses at Michigan and Indiana. At no time did we ever feel that we were playing poorly in either match. Our opponents were just playing very well.

The good news is this…we have eight conference matches remaining (4 at home and 4 on the road). Penn State is behind us. And our matches against the other nationally-ranked Big Ten teams (Illinois, Purdue and Michigan) are all at home. It is not unrealistic to think that we could go something like 6-2 the rest of the way and finish 14-6 in the conference and 24-8 overall. This would put us close to a top 16 seed into the NCAA Tournament.

I want to encourage all of you to throw your support toward the team in these final weeks. We rely on you—our booster club—to set the tone for positive fan reaction. So make sure that you show up at the Pavilion this weekend to make life miserable for Purdue and Illinois. It is a pivotal weekend for all three teams. Two wins would put the Gophers back into a tie with Illinois for second place, with Penn State still on the Illini’s future schedule. And it would vault us ahead of Purdue, who also still have to play the Nittany Lions.

Go Gophers!

From Coach Hebert:

Head Coach – Minnesota Volleyball

From the Golddiggers’ President

From Larry Mickelson:

It seems like forever that those of us who do not go by the name “JT” have seen our team in action! But that is about to end with a pair of tough matches this coming weekend in Purdue and Illinois. Only four home matches left in the regular season; it seems like yesterday that we were getting together for our first Golddigger event.

It has been a tough couple of weeks for the Gophers with tough road matches at Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Indiana. These are the times where the team really needs their fans and the Golddiggers. They rely on us to support them in both the good times and the not so good times. We need to show them we are behind them all the way.

I understand that when the team struggles we get frustrated, maybe even more so than the players and coaches. This is because we feel we are unable to contribute – we can’t pass, set, attack, serve, etc. And that is good because I, for one, would not be able to help out one lick on the court! But I feel I can contribute by showing my support for the team – the players and the coaches. I know they are working hard and no one feels worse than they do when things don’t go as planned.

As I mentioned in an earlier e-mail, it disturbs me when “fans” start unduly criticizing players and coaches. I understand that being a fan does provide opportunity to offer our opinions as to what is wrong and what we would do differently. I mean, whole businesses have been created to provide such an outlet for those opinions. However, there seems to be a trend where criticism becomes personal. I have seen that recently towards our own team and I have seen it from fans of other teams. The Internet can be a great place to exchange opinions and ideas. However, when the writer tends to hide behind anonymous monikers while stating their opinions it seems that those opinions and statements become a little more edgy. Yes, anonymity can allow you to state opinions and ideas that you may otherwise keep to yourself but you can still make your points without being mean about it.

Enough of my soapbox!! Back to the positives!!! The team is back in town and I, for one, say IT”S ABOUT TIME!!! WE’VE MISSED YOU!

And I miss all my Golddigger friends!

See you at the PAV!

Point U!

Larry Mickelson, President, Golddiggers

Announcements

BUS TRIP TO MADISON AND EVANSTON!!!

The bus trip is on and there are still seats available. Cost for the bus is $75/person for Golddiggers; $85/person for non-Golddiggers. This price includes a seat on the bus and tickets to the Wisconsin and Northwestern matches. The hotel is an additional expense and we are staying at the Renaissance North Shore Hotel in Chicago. If you are interested in going please contact JT or myself.

We will leave on Friday, November 14^th, and return to the Twin Cities early Sunday morning.

+ + +

ILLINOIS MATCH MOVED TO SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8^TH

The match with Illinois has been moved from Sunday, November 9^th, TO Saturday, November 8^th. Match time is 7:00 and there will be a reception following the match. Don’t forget to change your calendars!!!!

+ + +

CHALK TALKS

Scott Swanson will be holding “Chalk Talks” before the following matches. This is a great opportunity to understand more about the game and how the Gophers plan to attack and defend the upcoming opponents! Chalk Talks are held from 5:30 – 6:15 in the Williams Arena Media Room (located one floor down from the Club Room). To attend, enter the Daily Entrance on the University Ave side of the Pav and head down the Williams Arena concourse. Be prepared to show your ticket but do not get rid of it as you will need it to return to the Pav.

Future Chalk Talk dates are:

Friday, November 7 (Purdue)

Friday, November 21 (Michigan)

+ + +

MEMBERSHIP PACKETS

If you have not yet received your packet please see JT or Larry.

+ + +

RECEPTIONS

Post-match receptions will be held on the following dates and after the following matches. They will be held in the Pav Club Room:

Saturday, November 8 – Illinois

Sunday, November 23 – Ohio State

+ + +

BOARD OF DIRECTOR OPENINGS

We still have four openings for your board of directors. Board members meet 4-5 times a year and help shape the direction of the Club. The Board also helps coordinate and host the year end banquet. It is a great opportunity to get more involved with the Club and talk even more about Gopher volleyball! If you are interested in finding out more, please see a board member – Larry Mickelson, JT, DuAnn Thompson, Sharon and Dave Manninen, Hamlin Sjoberg, Lon Ortner, or Betty Cipperly.

+ + +

Also, we would very much like to hear from YOU! Former Gophers, out-of-town members, Hollywood celebrities -- whomever -- please email us at the address below, let us know what you are up to, pass on suggestions or questions for the Point U!(betcha), or hammer the coaching staff for their time-out usage -- it’s up to you. The coaching staff has also generously offered to answer questions submitted to them through this newsletter. We look forward to all your input.

Get To Know The Gophers!

The Sophomores!

Brook Dieter

In looking back, in your freshman season what met your expectations and what surprised you?

I expected the college level of play to be much higher then the club level, and it was. However, knowing that the level of play was going to be higher didn’t necessarily mean that I was prepared for that. My first Big Ten weekend shocked me, because that’s when I truly realized how much faster the college game was.

How has this season differed from the beginning of your freshman season?

The beginning of my freshman season was difficult for me because there were a lot of adjustments I had to make; both with my game as well as with my life. I no longer was living at home, I had roommates, and I had to learn new techniques both offensively as well as defensively. This year has been much less stressful because it’s the second time I’ve done everything. I now better understand how to adjust certain aspects of my game, and I also am accustomed to living on campus.

The team spent their first two weeks playing away from the Pav. What challenges did this present to the team? Opportunities?

In the first two weekends there was a lot of focus on making the opposing team’s gym our own, and I believe that helped us tremendously. We want to have a commanding presence at all the away gyms we play at, and I believe playing our first to tournaments away prepared us for that. However, once the first two away tournaments were done, all of us were very excited for our home game debut.

In your opinion, what does the team need to do to be successful this year?

Lately we have been focusing on perfecting the little things; such as transitioning faster off the net, passing free balls more perfectly then before, and serving more aggressively. If we can perfect the little things, we are going to be very successful this year.

Have you set any personal goals for yourself regarding volleyball this season? If so, what are they?

My personal goal this season is to develop a good line shot. Over the years I have never developed a good line shot and I think that hinders my performance, so that is something I have been working on.

Have you given any non-volleyball advice to the incoming freshmen in helping them deal with the season? If so, what was it?

Yes, make sure you keep your locker clean, and always go to class

Have you decided on a field of study at MN? If so, what is it?

Yes, Business Marketing

What is/are your favorite:

a. Food-- my mom’s shish kabobs

b. Song-- Three Cheers for Five Years by Mayday Parade

c. TV show-- One Tree Hill

d. Restaurant-- Macaroni Grill

Hailey Cowles

1.       In looking back, in your freshman season what met your expectations and what surprised you?

Starting my sophomore year here at the University of Minnesota I have had time to look back on my first year. All of my expectations I had coming in of the University of Minnesota were met and exceeded. The campus was beautiful, the people I met were amazing, and of course the coaching staff was more than I could ever asked for. I can not really remember anything that surprised me. I really enjoyed my first year here at the U of M and can not wait to see how the next three years fall into place.

2.       How has this season differed from the beginning of your freshman season?

I think that this year is very different than the beginning of my freshman season for many reasons. One, I am not a freshman anymore.  Everything is a lot more familiar than it is when you first arrive here on campus. Also, the chemistry this year’s team has had from day one is amazing and it is very nice to be on a team that messes as well as we do.

3.       The team spent their first two weeks playing away from the Pav. What challenges did this present to the team? Opportunities?

I really feel like the team was not affected by being away from the Pavilion. We focus on making every gym we play in our home gym.  This way of thinking really helps get our minds in the right place and not thinking about being in an opponent’s gym.  Also, to play away from the Pavilion gives the nation a chance to see what Minnesota volleyball is all about. Going on the road playing well and winning was a great way to do that.

4.       Have you set any personal goals for yourself regarding volleyball this season? If so, what are they?

My personal goal for this year is to continue to improve and play better every match.

5.       In your opinion, what does the team need to do to be successful this year?

This season I think we have every aspect covered to be a championship team.  To be that team we need to continue our great defense and serve tough. Our offense will always be there for us. So, if we do those things we will be very successful.

6.       Have you given any non-volleyball advice to the incoming freshmen in helping them deal with the season? If so, what was it?

Um, not really.  I am not really good at giving advice. I guess the thing I have told them is to just be your self.

7.       Have you decided on a field of study at MN? If so, what is it?

I am not positive yet but I am thinking about business marketing.

8.       What is/are your favorite:

a.       Food - Pizza

b.       Song - Angel by Natasha Bedingfeild

c.       TV show - Will and Grace

d.       Restaurant - Potbelly

Lauren Gibbemeyer

1.       In looking back, in your freshman season what met your expectations and what surprised you?

Looking back on my freshman year, my expectations of hard work and good

coaching were definitely met. I was also expecting to be able to contribute right away and was fortunately able to do so as one of the starting middle blockers. The things that surprised me most was the intense weight training and running we had to do in the spring and the challenge of balancing school and volleyball.

2.       How has this season differed from the beginning of your freshman season?

This season has differed from my freshmen season in that we have amazing chemistry on and off the court. Everyone feels as though they are an important part of the team and each person has the ability to hold the others accountable without people getting upset. I feel that the maturity of our team has helped us get through tough times and has made us stronger.

This year, we truly have some amazing seniors in leadership positions and I feel that we lacked that last year a little bit.

3.       The team spent their first two weeks playing away from the Pav. What challenges did this present to the team? Opportunities?

Playing at away gyms always present the challenge of trying to avoid being distracted, especially when we went to the beautiful state of Hawaii. One of our main focuses this year is learning to not give into distractions and playing away games was the perfect practice for that goal. However, I think it also gave us the opportunity to prove to ourselves that we can stay

focused and still come back with wins. Starting off playing away from the Pav also created a build up of excitement and motivation to play our first games at home!

4.       In your opinion, what does the team need to do to be successful this year?

In my opinion, in order for our team to be successful this year, we must never give in to complacency and work hard in practice every day no matter what. We need to remain coachable and believe in ourselves and the program 100%.

5.       Have you set any personal goals for yourself regarding volleyball this season? If so, what are they?

My personal goals for this season is to continue to be a leader and energizer on the court. I hope to have an average hitting % of something like .350 or somewhere around there by the end of the season. I would love to be an all-American some day, but my main goals are directed at the success of the TEAM.

6.       It has been mentioned that you are an extremely competitive person.  Where did you get this from?

I'm not really sure where I really got my competitiveness from, but I have been that way for a very long time. Both of my parents were very athletic back in the day, and were always positive role models for me, urging me to be the best I can be. I can remember always competing with my younger sister when we were growing up and it apparently stuck with me all my life.

7.       Have you given any non-volleyball advice to the incoming freshmen in  helping them deal with the season? If so, what was it?

I actually had the opportunity to stay with all the freshmen all through preseason in their apartment and I really think that was a great way for me to help them get adjusted to college and volleyball. I've tried to tell them the lessons I learned last year, such as tips on managing school and volleyball. We have become close friends and I feel that if they ever have a problem or a question they will feel comfortable coming to me for advice.

8.       Have you decided on a field of study at MN? If so, what is it?

I am planning on majoring in kinesiology and to hopefully get into physical therapy school here.

9.       What is/are your favorite:

a. Food: My grandma's Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage

b. Song: any song sung by Chris Brown

c. TV show: Prison Break

d. Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory

The Juniors!

Christine Tan

1. You are playing extremely well this year. To what do attribute your continued improvement?

I would attribute my improvement this year to various reasons. First, I am more comfortable in the libero role due to another year of experience specifically in the left back position. Also, our blockers are doing a great job leaving what we'd call "clean" digging lanes for our back row players. As a result everyone in the back row is digging a lot more balls.

2. You were the only player in your class your freshman year. Describe what it has been like to be in that situation the past two years.

Our team did a great job of quickly integrating me onto the team. I think my sophomore spring was the time when I was really the only person in my class but by that time I already felt very integrated onto the team. A lot of times I've heard the underclassmen tell me they feel like I'm one of the seniors just because it feels like I've been on the team for such a longer time.

3. You have two new back row players on the team this year in Jessica and Ashley. Have you been able to give them any advice on what to expect in their first year?

I think we have some very talented freshman this year and especially in the back row. A lot of times there isn't much I need to tell them. They are both very experienced defensive players and both have played liberos on their respective club teams. The only thing I've really helped them adjust to is the speed of the game. The ball travels much faster both in serve receive and digging so mostly you just have to be ready to play the ball earlier.

4. How has your role on the team changed from last year to this year?

I've tried to become more of a leader this year. Especially leading the defensive aspect on the court. Since I am now an upper class men I have a lot more experience and can help my teammates out.

5. You were one of the scooter “originals” on the team. Who else on the team is riding scooters?

It's more of a question of who doesn't have a scooter now. I think pamela is the only one who doesn't and we give her plenty of rides anyway. I love it. I feel like such a trend setter. Mine is still running strong.

6. Rumor has it that you like to cook and are good at it. What are your favorite things to cook?

Mashed potatoes!! But I'm open to making anything and am completely confident in my abilities to do so. However, I don't like getting the ingredients for recipes so most of the time I end up making whatever that's on hand.

7. What is your major?

Neuroscience

8. What would you like to do after your time in Minnesota?
I'm planning on taking at least a semester off then graduate school. I don't know where or in what field specifically yet.

9. What is/are your favorite:

a. Food: Peanut butter!

b. Song: How will I know. By whitney Houston

c. TV Show: The office

d. Restaurant: Starbucks

Pamela Luiz

1.       What were the primary reasons for deciding to come to Minnesota?

      Education and high level of volleyball

2.       What has been the easiest part of your adjustment to Minnesota volleyball?

      Get along with my teammates

3.       What is your major and why?

       Business communication, because I want to use my trilingual skills in communication area and also have some idea

       about business and management

4.       What are your plans after your time in Minnesota?

       My plan is get a good internship here in USA, work here for couple years to get experience, and then try to get a

       good job opportunity in my country

5.       What is/are your favorite:

a. Food:  Feijoada and brazilian barbecue (Brazilian food with black beans, meat, rice..etc)

b. Song:  I like every kind of music…everything with a good beat

c. TV show:  The Normal’s (brazilian show) , Lost

d. Restaurant: Brazilian restaurants, steak houses

Upcoming Match Previews

Purdue

Coach: Dave Shondell (6^th season)

Record: Overall: 19-5 Big Ten: 8-4

The Boilermakers are in the hunt for second place in the Big Ten after winning 6 out of their last 7 matches. They have a chance to exact revenge against Minnesota after Minnesota swept them at Purdue during the second weekend of the season. During that match the Boilermakers were held to a .046 hitting percentage while the Gophers hit .263 while racking up 34 kills against only having only 9 hitting errors.

The Gophers will need to primarily control two players, 6’3” senior MB Stephanie Lynch (#20) and 6’4” senior OH Danita Merlau (#35). Lynch has been the more consistent of the two and had 13 kills in the first meeting with Minnesota. On the year she is hitting at .424 clip while averaging 3.64 kills per set (kps). In addition, she is also averaging 1.30 blocks per set. Her hitting %, kills per set, and blocks per set have her among the conference leaders in each category.

Merlau is the Boilermakers primary focus on the outside as evidenced by her 60 attacks on Saturday vs. Michigan. She is averaging 3.17 kps but is hitting only at a .180 average.

Handling the setting duties for Purdue is #5 Jaclyn Hart, a 6’1” sophomore. In addition to dispersing the ball, Hart can be an offensive threat as well. In the past three matches she has averaged 6 kills per match. This is something for which the Gophers will need to be prepared.

Kelli Miller (#7) is a 5’7” senior who handles the libero duties for Purdue. Miller is a multi-faceted athlete and, despite her size, has played OH for the Boilermakers in previous years.

Other players to watch are #16 Kristen Arthurs, a 6’3” sophomore MB, and #13 Carrie Gurnell, a 6’1” junior OH. Arthurs is hitting .340 and averaging 2.09 kps and 0.94 bps while Gurnell kicks in 1.74 kps.

Notes – Stephanie Lynch has been named the Big Ten Offensive POW twice this year and Kelli Miller has been named the conference’s Defensive POW twice. Both received their honors on the same weeks.

Illinois

Coach – Don Hardin (11^th year)

Record: Overall 18-5 Big Ten 9-3

The Illini enter the weekend in sole possession of second place on the strength of 8 wins in 9 matches. Their lone loss during that time was a five setter at home vs. Northwestern. This is a big weekend for Illinois as a pair of wins can open up some space between themselves. Likewise for Minnesota, a win over Illinois, coupled with a win over Purdue can put them in a tie for second place. However, Illinois has Penn State the following week.

Any discussion regarding Illinois volleyball has to start with #1 Laura DeBruler, a 5’11” sophomore OH. DeBruler has rung up 1,047 attempts already this year, a third of her entire team’s attempts. She is averaging 4.54 kps while hitting at .241 average. In the first MN/IL match, DeBruler had 24 kills on 80 attempts. In addition, DeBruler also averages 3.15 digs per set, second on the team. DeBruler was named the National POW on September 2^nd.

DeBruler has been getting help lately from 6’3” freshman MB, Michelle Bartsch (#6). Bartsch is averaging 1.13 blocks per set. In last weekend’s match against Michigan, Bartsch racked up 9 blocks, 21 kills, and hit .333.

Johannah Bangert (#13) is a 6’1” sophomore MB who leads the Big Ten in blocks per set at 1.61. Not a big part of the offense, she is fifth on the team in attempts, she still averages 1.60 kps while hitting .261, second on the team.

Kylie McCulley (#15) is another 5’11” OH and a junior is the team’s second leading offensive option with 726 attempts and averages .285 kps.

Hillary Haen (#8) is a 5’10” sophomore setter who has handled most of the setting duties. However, 5’10” senior Lizzie Bazzetta (#12) has also seen significant time at the setting position.

Ashley Edinger is a 5’9” junior libero who has captured the last two B10 Defensive POW accolades.

Note – While Illinois leads the B10 in blocks with 444, they are last in solo blocks with 23. Contrast that with Minnesota who has 316 blocks but 86 solos. A key to the match could be how well MN can pass and thus have multiple hitting options available.

National Rankings

Week of October 13, 2008

Rank	School (First-Place Votes)	Total Points	2008 Record	Last Week
1	Penn State (60)	1500	24-0	1
2	Stanford	1398	19-3	4
3	Nebraska	1380	21-1	2
4	Texas	1299	17-3	3
5	Washington	1262	17-4	6
6	California	1238	19-3	4
7	Hawai'i	1105	19-3	8
8	Oregon	1058	19-5	7
9	UCLA	962	15-7	9
10	Southern California	931	13-7	12
11	Wichita State	910	24-0	10
12	Florida	863	19-2	11
13	Colorado State	779	19-2	14
14	San Diego	690	18-3	15
15	Kansas State	631	20-4	16
16	Illinois	593	17-5	17
17	Minnesota	558	18-6	13
18	Purdue	461	19-5	20
19	Kentucky	401	22-3	21
20	Michigan	328	18-6	18
21	Saint Louis	270	20-4	23
22	Santa Clara	246	15-6	24
23	Pepperdine	142	16-5	19
24	Utah	113	17-5	NR
25	San Francisco	85	19-5	22

Others Receiving Votes and appearing on two or more ballots: Long Beach State 60; New Mexico State 49; UAB 38; St. Mary's (Ca.) 28; Tulane 28; Iowa State 16; Wisconsin 14; Middle Tennessee 9; Oklahoma 9; Oregon State 9; Colorado 7; North Carolina 6; Cincinnati 4; Arizona 3; Clemson 3; Northern Iowa 3; Cal Poly 2

National Update

A quick look at the AVCA’s top ten ranked teams (excluding the Big10 schools):

Penn State – this is not a repeat. Since we last talked, PSU has not lost a set much less a match.

Stanford – Stanford lost to Cal two weeks ago at Stanford for the first time since 1979. Speculation abounded that Stanford would be dethroned as the leading Pac-10 power. However, the Cardinal bounced back with four straight wins including wins at USC, UCLA, and against Washington. Up next is a trip to Arizona for a pair of matches against U of Arizona and Arizona State.

Nebraska – the Huskers undefeated season came to a screeching halt last week with a loss at Colorado. They bounced back with a home win over Iowa State. Next up is a road match against Texas A&M and a home match vs. #15 Kansas State.

Texas – with an opportunity to tie Nebraska for the B12 lead, Texas lost a five setter at home against Oklahoma. The Longhorns bounced back with a win over TAMU but will be kicking themselves for the missed opportunity. Next up for Texas are road matches against Baylor and Iowa State.

Washington – Washington continues their rise up the rankings after splitting with Stanford (loss) and Cal (win) while visiting the Bay area. The Huskies stay at home this weekend as they host #9 UCLA and #10 USC.

California – The Golden Bears were flying high after beating Stanford in Palo Alto and increasing their overall record against Stanford to 6-59. However, Cal has stumbled twice since then losing to USC and Washington. Next up are trips to Arizona and Arizona State.

Hawaii – Hawaii has ripped off six straight wins since losing to New Mexico State. They make their final regular season trip to the mainland this week for matches against Boise State, Idaho, and Fresno State. Idaho is the only team they will face until the WAC tournament with a winning record.

Oregon – Oregon split their two matches last weekend when they lost to USC and beat UCLA, both five set matches. Up next is an in-state rival match with Oregon State.

UCLA – the Bruins have had a rough stretch as they have lost three of their last four and have fallen to 5-6 in the Pac-10. UCLA has yet to beat a team ranked in the top 20 yet they continue to be ranked in the top 12. They will get another chance to beat a top ranked team this weekend as they take on #5 Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars.

USC – It has been an inconsistent year for the Ladies of Troy. However, they have shown signs of late of maybe getting stronger as they have won three straight five set matches beating Cal, Oregon, and Oregon State. All three matches were at home. Next up for USC is a trip to Washington to take on U of Washington and Washington State.

Big10 Update

The standings:

2008 Big Ten Conference

Conference Games Overall Games

Institution W-L For Opp Pct W-L For Opp Pct

----------- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Penn State.......... 12-0 36 0 1.000 24-0 72 0 1.000

Illinois............ 9-3 31 14 .750 18-5 60 27 .783

Purdue.............. 8-4 25 21 .667 19-5 60 31 .792

Minnesota........... 8-4 26 16 .667 18-6 60 25 .750

Michigan............ 6-6 25 19 .500 18-6 61 23 .750

Indiana............. 6-6 23 27 .500 14-10 49 43 .583

Wisconsin........... 5-7 21 24 .417 15-9 54 35 .625

Iowa................ 5-7 18 26 .417 13-11 44 42 .542

Michigan State...... 4-8 17 30 .333 12-11 45 42 .522

Northwestern........ 2-10 14 32 .167 8-15 38 51 .348

Ohio State.......... 1-11 8 35 .083 10-14 38 46 .417

2008 conference statistics are at: http://bigten.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2008-2009/confstat.html

Big Ten News

Illinois

See above

http://fightingillini.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/ill-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://fightingillini.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/ill-w-volley-mtt.html (roster)

http://fightingillini.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2007-2008/teamcume.html (stats)

Indiana

Indiana is riding a four match winning streak which includes victories over Minnesota and Wisconsin. They also gained a measure of revenge when they bested Iowa in a five set win at home. A continued strong second half could get them into the NCAA tournament. However, 6 of their final 8 matches are on the road.

That winning streak will be sorely tested this week as they travel to Happy Valley to face Penn State and then onto Michigan State.

http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/ind-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/ind-w-volley-body.html (roster)

http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/ind-w-volley-body.html (stats)

Iowa

Iowa has improved this year but will need a strong finish if they are to be considered for the NCAA tournament. Victories are possible, however, as they still have yet to play the three teams below them in the conference – Michigan State, Ohio State, and Northwestern. If they can take victories over Michigan and/or Wisconsin they could be in. That could be a tough task as both of those matches are on the road.

This week the Hawkeyes host Purdue and Illinois. A split would go a long way to improving their tournament hopes.

http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/iowa-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/iowa-w-volley-body.html (roster)

http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/iowa-w-volley-body.html (stats)

Michigan

Michigan dropped to #20 in the polls after dropping a pair of heartbreaking five set matches to Purdue and Illinois. However, with 6 of their final 8 matches at home they have a solid chance to make the tournament.

Michigan hosts Wisconsin and Northwestern this weekend.

http://www.mgoblue.com/volleyball/page.aspx?id=12148 (website)

http://www.mgoblue.com/volleyball/page.aspx?id=137754 (roster)

http://www.mgoblue.com/volleyball/page.aspx?id=99564 (stats)

Michigan State

The Spartans are young which may be one reason why they have lost 6 of their last 7 matches. Another reason may be due to the fact they are this year’s “odd” team which is never easy.

The path doesn’t get any easier this weekend as they host Penn State and the surprising Indiana Hoosiers.

http://msuspartans.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/msu-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://msuspartans.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/msu-w-volley-mtt.html (roster)

http://msuspartans.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2007-2008/teamcume.html (stats)

Northwestern

It has been a frustrating year for the Wildcats. They have shown what they can do as evidenced by five set win over Illinois in Champaign earlier this year. However, the highlights have been few and far between.

Northwestern hits the road this weekend taking on Michigan and Ohio State. They will seek revenge against Ohio State who beat the Wildcats for their lone B10 victory.

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/nw-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/nw-w-volley-body.html (roster)

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2007-2008/teamstat.html (stats)

Ohio State

The long season continues to get longer for the Buckeyes. On the positive side, they have been in some tight games and if they learn how to win those games a climb up the standings may not be that far off.

OSU hosts Wisconsin and Northwestern this weekend and will look to repeat their victory over the Wildcats.

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17300&KEY=&SPID=10410&SPSID=89326 (website) http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17300&KEY=&SPID=10410&SPSID=89323 (roster)

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17300&KEY=&SPID=10410&SPSID=89325 (stats)

Penn State

Still number #1 in the country and showing no signs of weakness as they continue to mow down the competition. However, before they are anointed national champions just look to last year in the NFL and the New England Patriots.

Ah, forget it. Penn State is much better than New England.

The Lions host Indiana and Michigan State this weekend.

http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/psu-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/psu-w-volley-mtt.html (roster)

http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2007-2008/teamcume.html (stats)

Purdue

See above.

http://purduesports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/pur-w-volley-frame.html (website)

http://purduesports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/pur-w-volley-frame.html (roster)

http://purduesports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/pur-w-volley-frame.html (stats)

Wisconsin

A long season gets longer as the Badgers have lost 5 out of their last 6 including a crushing defeat on Friday to Michigan State at home in a five set match which saw three of the sets decided by two points.

Wisconsin has a tough task this weekend as they hit the road to face Ohio State and Michigan.

http://www.uwbadgers.com/sport_news/vb/headlines/headlines.html?sportid=133 (website)

http://www.uwbadgers.com/sport_news/vb/bios/roster.html?sportid=133 (roster)

http://www.uwbadgers.com/sport_news/vb/stat_poll/?sportid=133 (stats)

Lots o’ links

Gopher’s site

http://www.gophersports.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&SPID=3301&SPSID=38659

Big10 site

http://bigten.collegesports.com/sports/w-volley/big10-w-volley-body.html

Volleyball forums

http://volleytalk.proboards35.com/index.cgi?board=general

http://p094.ezboard.com/bprepvolleyball

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/bigtenvb/

Blogs:

http://girlsvolleyballrecruit.blogspot.com/ - a daily (generally) look at volleyball around MN

RichKern.com (includes websites, scores, recruits, etc.)

Some features at this site now require registration/subscription.

http://www.richkern.com/vb/index.asp

http://www.richkern.com/vb/websites/SchoolByConf.asp?Div=DI (premium)

http://www.richkern.com/vb/GameScores/indexsub.asp?Div=DI

http://www.richkern.com/vb/recruits/index.asp

PrepVolleyball.com (subscription)

http://www.prepvolleyball.com/index.asp

CSTV site

http://www.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/index.html

NCAA statistics

http://www.ncaasports.com/volleyball/womens/stats/stats

Contact Us

Questions/comments/suggestions/pastries are welcome. Please address them to newsletter@golddigger-boosters.org.

Our mission “statement”? To support Gopher volleyball and have fun doing it.

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