[Gymtalk]

I'm looking for a strong "go to the next level" season from the volleyball team. If each girl lives up to her ability, they as a team should be in the hunt for the Big South crown. It should be a "statement" year for LU in the volleyball world.

The team has senior leadership with playing experience, an exciting group of freshman, tall and talented middles, great returning red-shirts, a smart setter, and good coaching.

Question: If the team goes crazy and wins a bunch of games, will students show up and become volleyball fans?

[Sly Fox]

My experience with LU sports is that if any team on campus starts winning there is never a shortage of fans. And it never hurts the volleyball crowds by having attractive ladies on the team ... not that I would even notice that these days.

[bigsmooth]

And it never hurts the volleyball crowds by having attractive ladies on the team ... not that I would even notice that these days.

sure sly!

[Purple Haize]

My experience with LU sports is that if any team on campus starts winning there is never a shortage of fans. And it never hurts the volleyball crowds by having attractive ladies on the team ... not that I would even notice that these days.

You wanted to say "And it never hurts to volleyball crowds by having some FOXES on the team" you now you did. Admit it

[Cider Jim]

I once had a male student complain about how skimpy the volleyball uniform shorts were. I hope they weren't causing him to lust in his heart.

I didn't know until today that we had a new (as of June) on campus practice facility on East Campus. This looks beautiful: http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm? ... &TeamID=14

[El Scorcho]

I once had a male student complain about how skimpy the volleyball uniform shorts were.

I lived on a hall with 40+ freshmen my first year at LU. I don't think we missed very many home volleyball games.

That's all I have to say about that.

[SuperJon]

That's the only reason I go to volleyball games. I'm not gonna lie.

[Sly Fox]

Look what I started. I knew I was going to regret that statement.

I wish I had more to bring to the table in a discussion of the team's skill set. But alas ...

[ATrain]

Sly, wait till I start posting pics of our opponents like I did last year (#33 on Washington's squad, anyone?). And SJ-I never saw you at a volleyball game last year.

[SuperJon]

I never said I actually went to a game, just that that would be the only reason for going.

[Gymtalk]

Before the Big South opener on September 22, the LU volleyball team has 14 games. My prediction is that they will play very well, and have a 10 and 4 record. Does anyone see it differently?

Howard - W
Duquesne - W
Evansville - W
Maryland - L
George Washington - L
VCU - W
South Florida - W
Wright State - W
The Citadel - W
Princeton - W
Villanova - L
James Madison - L
Binghamton - W
William & Mary - W

I think LU is going to have a great fall sports season!

[Sly Fox]

I could certainly live with those type of results.

[ATrain]

I like your predictions Gymtalk. Those results are about where the program should be. I'm just curious why you picked us to beat South Florida-a Big East team. The last time I remember us beating a team from a BCS conference was my sophomore year against NC State.

[Gymtalk]

When I looked at the schedule, I saw:
1. Matches we should win (assuming we play up to our ability)
2. Matches we might win (if we catch fire, or the other team folds)
3. Matches we "on paper" should drop (more height, talent, experience and ability at every position)

South Florida and Villanova are both #2's. They finished in the middle of the Big East last year. If you look at both teams (we play both), we are as tall as they are... a good first sign. SF got a "L" because I saw very soft game scores last year (one-sided affairs: 0-3, 1-3, 0-3, over and over). Even when they won, they did it on the margin.

Note: I would have given us a "W" against Villanova, but we play them at home... they might be in their comfort zone (gym and fans), and get the "homer" calls from local line refs.

[thesportscritic]

i think those predictions are right on provided we play to our potential.

[Hold My Own]

Like I mentioned in the other thread this is very much a "new look" flames team. They did very very well last year when you take into account their age and injuries. Now you add your best hitter not to mention the programs first ever top 100 player in the country, a few transfers from BIG programs, some "invited walk-on's" that will push for some PT right away.

Like I mentioned before their could be a few times during a match where you'll see 4 new starters so I'm thinking it's going to take some time to get adjusted and I wouldnt be surprised if we were to drop one of those early matches that we should have one...honestly I kind of hope we do, it's not a bad thing with a new/young team to lose one their shouldnt rather than lose one that should have.