Thanks for doing and posting the post match interviews! This (1/14/26) was an especially good one. Any comments about the use of the Mikasa volleyballs for these matches? It would be interesting to learn what the players thought about the volleyballs after hearing what the broadcast announcers (Kanoa and CMac) said.
I think it started at about 7-7 in Set 3. Some auto generated excerpts (with possible speech-to-text errors): "..non-conference matches afford the opportunity for the home team to utilize a different volleyball, the volleyball of its choice. So, just a little bit of an experimentation... I think it's a good idea they're using this different ball, but you can better hit it in just the right spot or you're going to going to get it into somebody's back or get it long and out... that one drifted out again. Wasn't able to get that spin on it. It'll float long on you with this Mikasa ball. 18 service errors for Hawaii so far..."
Best of a bad situation in MPSF as they want the flexibility to play out of conference but will eventually have to go to the 2 match model or the new schools may be without enough NC matches. Budgets are getting tighter not more plentiful.
Watching that battle in NC tonight with Catawba and Belmont Abbey.
Thanks for doing and posting the post match interviews! This (1/14/26) was an especially good one. Any comments about the use of the Mikasa volleyballs for these matches? It would be interesting to learn what the players thought about the volleyballs after hearing what the broadcast announcers (Kanoa and CMac) said.
I didn't hear anything from the players, but I will try to check on Friday.
What did they mention on the broadcast?
I think it started at about 7-7 in Set 3. Some auto generated excerpts (with possible speech-to-text errors): "..non-conference matches afford the opportunity for the home team to utilize a different volleyball, the volleyball of its choice. So, just a little bit of an experimentation... I think it's a good idea they're using this different ball, but you can better hit it in just the right spot or you're going to going to get it into somebody's back or get it long and out... that one drifted out again. Wasn't able to get that spin on it. It'll float long on you with this Mikasa ball. 18 service errors for Hawaii so far..."
Best of a bad situation in MPSF as they want the flexibility to play out of conference but will eventually have to go to the 2 match model or the new schools may be without enough NC matches. Budgets are getting tighter not more plentiful.
Watching that battle in NC tonight with Catawba and Belmont Abbey.
Big night for Kansas City's Rockhurst Hawks! They have the makings of a solid program.
Couldn't agree more!