In five-set matches in the McCutcheon era, the Gophers have gone 3-1, 4-3, 3-2, 5-3, 5-3, 3-0, 2-1, and 4-1, for a total of 29-14. In the eight years immediately preceding McCutcheon, the Gophers five-set records were 7-2, 0-4, 3-2, 2-4, 4-3, 3-2, 3-4, and 6-5, for a total of 28-26. Most remarkable has been the last three years, when the Gophers have gone 9-2 in five-setters.Although I thought it signaled an early exit in the NCAA’s at the time, I think the coming back from being down 0-2 against Michigan and 1-2 against OSU during the season really gave this team confidence in 5 set play. Hugh keeps adjusting and doesn’t let them panic, just finds a way not to lose. Doubt they beat either Creighton or Florida without the earlier five set wins.
Q. What do you think is the secret that Adanna's success?
HEAD COACH HUGH McCUTCHEON: She's good. That helps. I think over the last few weeks in particular, her out of system range has really been something that she's been working on and has improved significantly. You know, she carries a significant -- six-rotation outside hitter, and I think she just does a really good job. You know, most people don't understand the way of that, but the fact that as a sophomore she's able to do the things she does consistently, night in, night out, I think that speaks to the calibre of volleyball player that she is
Yes, what is it about this team that has gotten them to the Final Four? Early on in the season, some in this forum (myself included) bemoaned what seemed to be an inability to close out sets and/or matches when the Gophers lost a few late leads. But now I believe what has made this team special and so much fun -- sometimes exasperating fun -- to watch is their ability to play under pressure. Not that the Gophers don't have talent -- after all, there are seven high school Under Armour All-Americans on the roster -- but there really does seem to be something to these mantras we hear about playing "in the moment" or "one point at a time."This is the weirdest final four team I've ever seen. We could of or should have been done several times, but somehow we fight through.
You’re mixing up 2009 and 10 as far as Tabi love. She was a freshman and healthy in 2009 and played 2010 with the cast. Then transferred for the 2011 season. None the less it was a very weird year. Cowles went from a ds to a front row player.Perhaps the 2009 final four team had a weirder season than this year's club.
Senior setter, Taylor Carico, had transferred in from USC. One of the best players, Brooke Dieter, left the team during the season after being benched for a match. Tabby Love played the last part of the season with a big cast on her right hand which looked like a flipper. After the season she transferred to UCLA.
The Gophers were an 11 seed and opened on the road at Tennessee in the first two rounds. Then, because regional sites were pre- set, they came back to the Pav to defeat Colorado State and the higher seeded Florida State.
They finished the B1G season 15-5 in 3rd losing to Penn State twice and once each to Illinois, Michigan and Ohio State. All the losses were 0-3. Some of this year's fan base wouldn't of taken those losses well.
Probably because they played the GatorsAfter the first point last night, I said to my wife, "The Gophers look sharp." They were. Not just sweeping the Cardinals, but by wide margins. No letdown or mental fatigue after the comeback against the Seminoles.
I think they have a chance against Stanford.
I agree, MRJ. A couple of posts (here or on VolleyTalk) have suggested the Gophers 2018 were a better team than 2019. If that's true, it's ironic that the lesser squad (2019) has made it to the FF & the better one (2018) didn't. IMHO 2018 was brilliant the 1st half of that season, but they started slumping after the 2nd WI game (which they won convincingly), slumping not in wins & losses but in coherence, spirit, and drive, which caught up w/ them vs. Oregon. The 2019 Gophers have gotten better in the 2nd half, which is perfect timing. They've gained the coherence & drive the 2018 team lost. The 2019 coaches & players turned what seemed a curse (injuries & lineup changes) into a blessing. Interestingly, the better the Gophers performed in the pinch, the more praise they got from the TV commentators. That's bound to reap benefits down the line.Haven't had the chance to watch the team much this year due to work responsibilities.
With having been said, I'm really proud of this team for what they've accomplished this season.
We all know about the struggles with injuries and consistency from this team in 2019. But they stuck with it, kept grinding and found a way to get to another Final Four. In all honesty, this is probably Hugh's best coaching job during his tenure at Minnesota. Lots of adversity this year, but it certainly seems they've learned a lot from it all.
Congrats to Hugh and rest of the ladies!! An amazing accomplishment that all Gopher fans can take great pride in!
Good luck against Stanford in Pittsburgh!
You’re mixing up 2009 and 10 as far as Tabi love. She was a freshman and healthy in 2009 and played 2010 with the cast. Then transferred for the 2011 season. None the less it was a very weird year. Cowles went from a ds to a front row player.
Yikes, I even remember picturing the gator in my head as I typed Seminole. My mind is going...Probably because they played the Gators![]()
If MN can knock off Stanford, we are going Saturday. I realize that is a tall order, but Pittsburgh is a 3+ hour drive (from Virginia), so we can't go on Thursday night. We'll be tuned in to ESPN2 for that game.
Our family has really enjoyed Gopher Volleyball the last 2 years. We were able to catch them in Maryland both years during the regular season. Hoping to catch them again Saturday. Go Gophers!
The Gophers may have lost a really good softball coach, but I suspect they got an even better one in return, a lady who will stay). As for VB nat'l championships, it seems we just have to be there year after year knocking at the door until one year it happens. (This year, I really admire the 3 Gophers setters, who stepped in the hole left after SSS and made it work.)Okay, Stanford won the NCAA women's soccer championship this fall, came in third in the women's cross country championships, is currently ranked #1 in women's basketball, and stole our softball coach. Enough already. Gophers in four!
Thanks, I may have may mis-remembered, but I am keeping an eye on the schedule. Super excited for Stanford on Thursday!FYI - According to the NCAA website and gophersports.com, the Thursday night semi-final games are on ESPN. The Saturday tournament finale is on ESPN2.