Runs, Hits, and Errors

Baseball isn't the only sport with runs, hits, and errors. Volleyball momentum creates runs, talent makes hits, and various issues create errors.

This framework from The Leadership Moment helps 'after-action reviews'.

• What went well?
• What went poorly?
• What can we do better?
• What are the enduring lessons? 

Melrose beat always-tough Frontier with more talent and better execution, which is typically how matches go. Here are additional observations, none sent via stone tablets:

Possession analysis works well - what scored points, what allowed points, and who and what didn't show up much on the box score and impacted winning? 

1) It's still early. Sample size matters. Analysis after ten games might be different. 

2) Talent wins. Leah Fowke was All-Conference in a strong league last season for a reason. She's MVB's tallest setter, athletic, and her overall defense including blocks approaches the best (Brooke Bell) in MVB history. She has the capacity to attack the two ball even more. In another era, she might have been an outside hitter. And that doesn't mention her setting. Sabine Wenzel, when engaged in 'beast mode' can dominate the game both hitting and blocking.

3) Ratios matter. Scoring plays (attacks, block-kills, aces) divided by 'mistakes' (attack errors, misplays, violations, service errors) defines teams. Unofficially, I had Melrose with 13 aces yesterday versus 8 service errors. Top teams are in that neighborhood or better. 

4) Hidden gems. Defensive specialists don't get the headlines. The "Gold Dust Twins" (Gg and Maggie) "keep the ball up." Gg had at least four spectacular digs keeping plays alive. 

5) Pet peeve. I don't like an opposing team's players officiating the lines, regardless of whether it impacts the match. Someday it will matter. It's awkward and to be condemned. 

6a) Attack efficiency. Volleyball is also a game of efficiency. Attack (hitting) efficiency equals (kills - errors)/attacks. Every coach wants higher efficiency, not just raw numbers of kills. It can always be better, although Sabine's was high yesterday. 

6b) Blocking. Coaching and player adjustments helped the blocking as well as Leah's four blocks. Sofia Papatsoris is underrated and necessary as a blocking force. 

7) "Stay ready" player engagement. The bench was loud and encouraging throughout. Being a great teammate means a lot. 

8) Resilience. Trailing 20-15 and 23-19 in the first set, MVB did not 'turtle'. I've shown the Million Dollar Baby video too much already, where Clint Eastwood tells Maggie Fitzgerald, "go give it to her" before Maggie knocks out her opponent with a crushing right. Exceptional teams have the capacity to raise their level. Be that team. 

9) Coaching. You can't tell whether it's a close game or a blowout either way as Coach Scott Celli exhorts the team. An army of lions doesn't win with bad coaching. 

10a)Ceilings and floors. This team has a high floor. Time will reveal how high its ceiling. 

10b)"Never break the chain." Every link matters. Caroline Higonenq, Alex Harlow, Emme Boyer, and Abby Dennison were all solid. How strong the chain becomes depends on every link.