VBelo Scouting Report: February 16, 2023
Putting the Grand in Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon continues to impress as they recorded their 12th straight win of the season. While USC actually beat them in several statistical categories (see recap below), GCU was able to get the win. Bizarrely, GCU hit .045 in the final set (a set that they won). In fact, they only out-hit USC in 1 of the 4 sets yesterday. This team may not be perfect, but they found a way to win and at the end of the day that is the stat that matters most. I know it isn’t for several weeks, but March 31 and April 1st, GCU and UCLA will play. This will likely decide who finishes first in the conference, and it could even be a foretaste of the national tournament.
Over in the MIVA, Lewis was able to take care of Quincy in straight sets, as expected. Lindenwood, on the other hand, got the upset win against a very good McKendree side. With the last two sets going into overtime, Lindenwood was able to hang on and outlast McKendree. Surprisingly (at least to me), McKendree is now 0-3 to start conference play. There is so much talent and parity in the MIVA right now that just about any team can win on any given day. This could lead to some very interesting seedings come conference tournament time.
Today, undefeated Hawai’i takes to the court against the Golden Eagles of Concordia-Irvine. The Rainbow Warriors have never lost to Concordia and today will likely not be different. This is actually the most lop-sided match in VBelo so far this season.
In the MIVA, we have some interesting matchups. Ohio State and Loyola are tied for first at 2-0 and they both face tough matches to remain at the top. All MIVA teams in action today can realistically win with the lowest projection being 41%. The MIVA was super exciting last season and this year looks to be no different. This is what happens when schools invest in these programs; everyone benefits!
Match Recaps
MIVA
Lewis (89%) def. Quincy (11%)
3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-17)
Raje Alleyne (QU) had 12 kills in the loss. This was his 8th double-digit kill performance of the season.
Lindenwood (27%) def. McKendree (73%)
3-1 (25-17, 17-25, 28-26, 28-26)
Connor Sheehan (LU) had a double-double in the win (39 assists & 11 digs).
MPSF
Grand Canyon (53%) def. Southern California (47%)
3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 26-28, 25-22)
USC had more kills, blocks and assists and finished with same number of points (105) in the 4-set loss.
Non-conference
Emmanuel (50%) def. Limestone (50%)
3-2 (17-25, 25-20, 25-20, 19-25, 15-7)
Jayden Young (EC) finished with a team high 22 kills and 4 aces in the 5-set victory.
Queens (38%) def. Mount Olive (62%)
3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-23)
Daniel Leitao (QU) led the Royals to a big time non-conference win with 16 kills and a .444 hitting percentage.
Fontbonne (43%) def. Maryville (57%)
3-2 (17-25, 25-23, 26-24, 22-25, 15-8)
In spite of the loss, Maryville out-hit (.200 to .186), out aced (5-3), and out-blocked (10-5) Fontbonne.
Match Projections
ConfCarolinas
King (66%) vs Belmont Abbey (34%)
MIVA
Ohio State (41%) vs Purdue Fort Wayne (59%)
Ball State (45%) vs Loyola Chicago (55%)
Non-conference
Concordia-Irvine (3%) vs Hawai'i (97%)
Fort Valley State (27%) vs Lees-McRae (73%)
Benedictine (28%) vs CSU Northridge (72%)
