MVC volleyball 2011

[panther-state]

The win totals must not extend back to when the women's conference was called the Gateway. With 503 total wins, it's hard to believe Iradge would only have 196 conference wins.

That's what I was thinking and that win % is ridiculous! Less than 30 losses!

[JayJ79]

The win totals must not extend back to when the women's conference was called the Gateway. With 503 total wins, it's hard to believe Iradge would only have 196 conference wins.

Not sure how they determined it, but I think the "MVC records" begin with the 1983 season.
That still covers the majority of Iradge's tenure (as he became head coach in 1981). But the scheduling was different back then. From '83-'91, there were only 9 conference matches (while teams were playing 30-40 matches per year overall).

[pawball]

Linda Dollar, (MSU coach before Melissa Stokes arrived) who often does the color commentary for MVC VB matches, registered 758 wins in her career, many of which occured before the Gateway was conceived. Dollar was mentored by Dr Mary Jo Wynn, who was a pivotal spearhead in the realm of women's athletic, not only at MSU but conference-wide. Wynn is/was a genius in how she worked out and negotiated terms within the world of MSU and other places.

[pawball]

Any idea on where Coach Bobbi is in that regard? I know she recently got win #300 so I wouldn't think she's too far off

All-Time MVC Wins List - Conference Only (All Coaches Included)
(as of 10/3/2011)
Coach, School W-L Pct.
1. Melissa Stokes, Missouri State 197-78 .716
2. Iradge Ahrabi-Fard, UNI 196-29 .871
3. Bobbi Petersen, UNI 173-31 .848
4. Julie Morgan, Illinois State 157-32 .831
5. Chris Lamb, Wichita State 147-56 .724
6. Linda Dollar, Missouri State 121-32 .791
7. Sonya Locke, Southern Illinois 101-142 .416
8. Kirsten Bernthal Booth, Creighton 98-51 .657
9. Sharon Dingman, Illinois State 96-48 .667
10. Phil Shoemaker, Wichita State 89-136 .396

Although I am a pretty rabid Bears's fan and supporter, the numbers that Ahrabi and Bobbi Petersen have put up, percentage wise, are outtasight. Think I've said this one other year, so I'm a bit schittish about saying it again, but ....this year's UNI team may be the best team The Valley has ever seen. Doesn't mean they can't be beaten, but UNI has demonstrated interesting resiliency so far this year. And that leaves crumbs for the Bears, Shocks, and Jays. Unless you defeated someone in the top 50 or so in non-conf, it is going to be very difficult to get an NCAA bid, imo, unless............you beat those other contenders. Which means that the Bears and Shocks have got to hold homecourt against the Jays and Drake this weekend. An absolute must.

[JayJ79]

while I don't think the Valley will get 4 teams in the NCAAs again this year,
I'd be shocked (and disappointed) if it became a 1-bid league.
Should get 2-3, depending on how conference play ends up

[panther-state]

I'm not sure if this Panther team is the best ever. They are darn good and have done a fantastic job of over coming some adversity...but the best MVC team ever. Eh...that's saying quite a bit...and saying too much in my opinion. Hope they prove me wrong

[pawball]

I'm not sure if this Panther team is the best ever. They are darn good and have done a fantastic job of over coming some adversity...but the best MVC team ever. Eh...that's saying quite a bit...and saying too much in my opinion. Hope they prove me wrong

Well, the Panthers will need to get to the Sweet 16 to make my profane words true. So far,they've demonstrated the capacity to do that. What I am gauging UNI's team by is not just the sweep of nationally ranked Iowa St or the 5 set loss to top ranked Minnesota (both at home) but also the resiliency they have shown in winning 5 set matches on the road, early in non-conf play, to quality teams. Now, they will be severely tested when they hit the road for the MSU/WSU swing. Imo, Bears are close to becoming very, very good, as their middle attack improves. I also think that the Bears' sweep of the Shocks lit a fire under WSU, and that they will be carrying that torch the rest of the year. Watch out! So far, in the all important home/road win/loss category, the Bears are 1 up on Shocks, Panthers and Jays due to their road win at Wichita. The sleeper team that could knock off any of the Mighty Four is Illinois St, but UNI has already played them on the road.

[valleychamp]

Last year's UNI team was better than this year's team, IMO.

[pawball]

I may have to eat my words on this one. I've heard what you are saying from others whose opinion I respect, but.....you know a team may be better talent-wise and still not have the extra Zango that makes a lesser talented team just as good or superior.

[JayJ79]

after the first round of the double-roundrobin conference season, here's how we stand:

MVC VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS (through 10/15/11)
SCHOOL CONF OVERALL
UNI 9-0 19-1
MSU 8-1 15-5
WSU 6-3 12-7
CU 6-3 11-10
ILS 5-4 13-8
SIU 3-6 9-9
DU 3-6 7-15
INS 2-7 10-10
UE 2-7 12-12
BU 1-8 7-11

If the MVC tourney was held now (looking at it just for fun):
UNI would play the winner of (Creighton v Illinois State)
Missouri State would play the winner of (Wichita State v Southern Illinois)

Barring a whole bunch of upsets, I think UNI stands a good chance of an NCAA spot, even if they don't win the MVC tournament. And I think MSU stands a decent chance in the same regard. Not so sure about WSU or Creighton, though. Of course, there is still alot of volleyball left to be played, and lots could happen.