Set 5: It was a back and forth set early but the Bears have build up a 11-8 lead to force a Stanford TO. Just need to get to 15 first in this set for that elusive Big Spike win.
Stanford up 20-13. Cardinal does only have 8 players making the trip to Berkeley today. If the Bears can make a bit of a run here, fatigue could be a factor in their favor in a potential set 5.
The mask-wearing was apparently a decision made by the Pac-12 coaches. They do allow the players to sort of take off their masks (or technically wearing the masks the wrong way) to breath more easily after some long rallies.
Bears continue to build up their lead to 10-3. Potter got to set from the front row for the first time this match. Stanford cut the lead to 10-8 before the Bears are finally able to get a sideout.
Interesting note - apparently Lydia Grote was ready to be the opposite for the Bears for the 2020 season, but she's now filling in as a middle after COVID changed things with Forte/Anderson leaving early.
A very very timely block (1st one of the match) by Bergmark and Lilomaiava gave the Bears the set point. Pantovic gets the kill to tie this match up at a set apiece as the Bears take set 2 by a 25-23 score.
Set 1: Bears had a brief early 9-7 lead but then a few Stanford blocks turned the tide (they definitely got some height). Bears did make a run after Stanford built up a 19-12 lead, but the Cardinal closed out the set 25-18. Pantovic led the Bears with 3 kills, but Furd's blocking hold the Bears to just 0.037 hitting.
Thanks for the article Ruey. I couldn't watch the match but I took a look at the box score. It's absolutely amazing that we were able to win the match with a hitting percentage of just .131. We won't win many more matches when our attacking is that inefficient. I think this season is really showing how important Mima is to this team and what an exceptional player she is.
Sure. Like I speculated in the article, I think we caught the inexperienced but more talented Stanford team at the right time (they probably will achieve their higher winter '21 ceiling than Cal in a few weeks). Nonetheless, this is essentially a free season (it is eligibility-wise), and the win is a much-desired morale boost. I do expect the team with Mima, transfer Smoot, and freshmen (though I don't see an official announcement on who they signed for the 2021 class) in the fall to be at least a borderline top-25 squad. Pantovic as a reliable second option would really add another dimension to the attack.
Set 5: It was a back and forth set early but the Bears have build up a 11-8 lead to force a Stanford TO. Just need to get to 15 first in this set for that elusive Big Spike win.
It was nearly 12-8 Bears but replay overturned a close call. Cal takes a timeout up 11-10
BEARS WIN!!! 18-25, 25-23, 25-21, 22-25, 15-12 is the final score. Pantovic has 15 kills, Meyer has 12, Bergmark has 10.
Set 4: Fast start for Stanford as they take an 8-4 lead.
Bears again go with Potter as the sole setter with Jensen as the defensive specialist. Stanford has a 13-7 lead, however. TO Cal.
The timeout did not help. Stanford goes up to 16-7 before the Bears can stop the bleeding.
Stanford up 20-13. Cardinal does only have 8 players making the trip to Berkeley today. If the Bears can make a bit of a run here, fatigue could be a factor in their favor in a potential set 5.
The Bear will not quit. Bears cutting the Furd lead to 22-19.
Bears got as close as 23-21 but Stanford took set 4 25-22 to force a decisive 5th set.
The mask-wearing was apparently a decision made by the Pac-12 coaches. They do allow the players to sort of take off their masks (or technically wearing the masks the wrong way) to breath more easily after some long rallies.
Set 3: Bears off to a quick 4-0 lead, and Stanford takes their 1st TO.
Bears continue to build up their lead to 10-3. Potter got to set from the front row for the first time this match. Stanford cut the lead to 10-8 before the Bears are finally able to get a sideout.
14-8 Bears and Stanford is using their second timeout of the set.
Bears were up 20-15 but Stanford cut it to 20-18 to force a Cal timeout.
Stanford equalizes at 20 but the Bears got the next two points. Finish them!
Bears go up 2 sets to 1 by finishing set 3 by a 25-21 score!
Interesting note - apparently Lydia Grote was ready to be the opposite for the Bears for the 2020 season, but she's now filling in as a middle after COVID changed things with Forte/Anderson leaving early.
Set 2: Potter's great serving gives the Bears a 6-0 run and a 10-9 lead as Stanford is trying to ice her with a timeout.
Bears had a 3 point lead but a couple of miscommunications allowed Stanford to take a 19-18 lead. Timeout Bears.
Bears had a 22-20 lead to force a Stanford TO. Stanford scores 3 straight points, including an ace to take a 23-22 lead. TO Cal.
A very very timely block (1st one of the match) by Bergmark and Lilomaiava gave the Bears the set point. Pantovic gets the kill to tie this match up at a set apiece as the Bears take set 2 by a 25-23 score.
Set 1: Bears had a brief early 9-7 lead but then a few Stanford blocks turned the tide (they definitely got some height). Bears did make a run after Stanford built up a 19-12 lead, but the Cardinal closed out the set 25-18. Pantovic led the Bears with 3 kills, but Furd's blocking hold the Bears to just 0.037 hitting.
I see we didn't win Sunday's match. Too bad, but at least we split and defended home court.
Awesome win!
Thanks for the article Ruey. I couldn't watch the match but I took a look at the box score. It's absolutely amazing that we were able to win the match with a hitting percentage of just .131. We won't win many more matches when our attacking is that inefficient. I think this season is really showing how important Mima is to this team and what an exceptional player she is.
Sure. Like I speculated in the article, I think we caught the inexperienced but more talented Stanford team at the right time (they probably will achieve their higher winter '21 ceiling than Cal in a few weeks). Nonetheless, this is essentially a free season (it is eligibility-wise), and the win is a much-desired morale boost. I do expect the team with Mima, transfer Smoot, and freshmen (though I don't see an official announcement on who they signed for the 2021 class) in the fall to be at least a borderline top-25 squad. Pantovic as a reliable second option would really add another dimension to the attack.