Gophers Host Pair of Ranked Teams

After finishing last weekend with a 1-1 record, the Gophers sit in third place in the Big Ten as they come home to face two formidable Big Ten opponents. On Friday night, #20 Ohio State comes back to Minneapolis for the first time since last year’s memorable regional final. Saturday night’s contest will feature #3 and Big Ten leader Penn State in a contest that could define the rest of the Big Ten race.

While Minnesota stumbled last weekend after coming out hot against Purdue, the Gophers still control their own destiny in Big Ten play. While improbable, if the Maroon and Gold wins out they would do no worse than a tie for the Big Ten title. The trek to the finish begins tonight with the Buckeyes.

Stacey Gordon graduated. The best player in Big Ten history ended her career on the Sports Pavilion floor last November. In her place sophomore middle blocker Danielle Meyer has become the offensive leader for Ohio State. The Buckeyes have developed balance within their offense as the season has progressed. The Ohio State attack is steered by an All American candidate at setter in Marisa Main. Main can be counted on to attempt many kills on dumps while distributing the ball to an array of talented hitters.

The Achilles heel of this year’s Buckeye team is their defense. This is a classic match of strength vs. strength and weakness vs. weakness. If Minnesota can step up the offense and maintain their composure on defense, this one could be over early. However, if the Gophers continue to struggle with terminations, Ohio State could roll.

My prediction: Gophers in 4.

The Gophers face Big Ten leader Penn State on Saturday night in the Sports Pavilion. The Nittany Lions own an undefeated 8-0 record in the Big Ten coming into this weekend. PSU’s only losses on the season were to #1 Nebraska in Lincoln and to #4 Stanford in the season opening NACWAA tournament in Omaha. Outside of the state of Nebraska, the Lions are undefeated.

Penn State fields a team with no evident weakness. The Lions have one of the best setters in the game in Sam Tortorello, a stable of outstanding hitters and the best libero in college volleyball not named Paula Gentil. Penn State is led on offense by freshman hitter Nicole Fawcett who averages 4.5 kills per game. While she is a powerful force, she has been flustered in hostile territory earlier this season and has never faced a libero as strong as Gentil outside of the practice gym.

If the Gophers manage to stymie the Lions’ attack they must also develop an offensive threat to put the match away. Minnesota will need bigger offensive matches from Kelly Bowman and Meghan Cumpston if they are going to dent the PSU defense. Lions’ libero Kaleena Walters has been outstanding this season and will patrol the back row and pick up any attack that lacks solid pace or placement.

My prediction: Penn State in 4

This weekend will help define the rest of the season for Minnesota. Two victories would rocket the Gophers back into the national picture, while two losses would leave the team in a fight for third place in the Big Ten race. Minnesota lacks a defining victory thus far in 2005 and this weekend will be the Maroon and Gold’s best chance to impress the NCAA seeding committee.