That Went Well #16 Purdue Volleyball Rolls Over Alabama A&M

So, I've got good news...and I've got good news.  That's the kind of thing that happens when you're not playing the #4 team in the country.

Good News

• Purdue won in straight sets

25-12, 25-19, 25-13.  Not bad.

• Sam Epinesa (again)

Last night Sam was a pleasant surprise, this morning she was a staple of the offense.  With 7 kills and 5 aces, Sam is looking like a fairly consistent offensive option for this team.  The 5 aces were particularly impressive, but it's worth pointing out that Alabama A&M deserves some credit for not being able to return them.  Either way, Sam's ability to jump and hit make up for the inch or so that she lacks compared to your "ideal" outside hitter.

• All the other outside hitters

No one had double digit kills, but what was lacked in individual dominance was made up for in team efficiency.  As a team, Purdue hit .405, and individually Cat Rebarchak hit .875 (7 kills 8 attempts), Faye Adelaja hit .667 (6 for 9), and Katie Griffin hit .533 (8 for 15).

• Val Nichol

Everyone and their mother has an opinion on the Val Nichol Setter Project, and I've heard just about all those opinions.  What no one can argue though, is that Val is anything but a very good volleyball player.  In this match she had 20 assists and 9 kills, playing well at both setter and outside hitter.  That kind of talent is valuable regardless of how you use it, so I'll just sit back and trust coach to make the best decision for the team.

Minor quibbles

• The usual 10:00 AM crowd (or lack thereof)

It's like this every year, you know who you are.

• Even with fewer people, it's still The Sauna

Yup, Holloway was still hot and muggy.  Anyone know why it feels so much more humid than in the past?