It’s October, and sports fans are in ecstasy. Football season is in full swing (are we really coming up on NFL Week 8 already?) And of course, the World Series is upon us with the Kansas City Royals attempting to win it all for the second year in a row against the upstart New York Mets. Preseason NBA! Hockey! MLS playoffs! Something for everyone.
But fall also means college volleyball, and the Northwest has strong, talented teams in what is arguably the toughest conference in the country. Top to bottom, the Pac-12 is stocked with amazing athletes and fierce competition. In 2014, the Pac-12 led all divisions by sending an astonishing 10 teams to the NCAA volleyball tournament, and these programs grow and improve with each passing year (pun intended!) So look for another strong showing by the Pac when the tournament bracket is announced next month. Washington, Oregon, and Oregon State alone have 34 tourney appearances combined.
Seattle is home, so I’m partial to the University of Washington, even though I have no real ties to the school. Worked there for a year, but I don’t bleed purple … or gold. Still, the Husky Volleyball program is nothing short of outstanding. Former coach Jim McLaughlin cemented his legacy over 14 seasons by guiding the team to three Pac-12 titles, appearances in four Final Fours, and the national title in 2005. Hard to believe that was 10 years ago—I think they’re due for another one. Head coach Keegan Cook has picked up where McLaughlin left off, as the Huskies haven’t missed a beat—good on UW for promoting Cook from assistant to head coach.
The team is anchored by senior libero Cassie Strickland, an irrepressible force in the back row who actually began her childhood athletic career playing Pop Warner football. Her jump serve has the firepower of a cannon, and indeed, game spectators yell “Boom” at top volume when she serves the ball. Her ability to read the opposing hitter and pursue “un-gettable” balls is incredible to watch. Great example here that embodies her speed and determination.
The Huskies have a marquee matchup this Friday against USC, currently ranked number 1 in the nation. While UW slipped from a season high #4 ranking to their current #14 rank after dropping a hard fought five-set match to Stanford, the Huskies absolutely have the skill and the will to knock off the Lady Trojans on their home court at Alaska Airlines Arena. The UW faithful will make it very inhospitable to the visitors, taking their cues from the 12s.
Elsewhere in the Northwest, Washington State will battle UCLA, and Oregon and Oregon State will hit the road to take on Utah and Colorado, respectively. Beyond the Pac-12, teams from Gonzaga, Portland, Seattle U, and Portland State will take the court.
Catch a match in your neck of the woods. These athletes are a joy to watch, with explosive hitting and vertical jumps that rival your favorite hoops star. I promise you’ll hold your breath with every extended rally, and in true Halloween fashion, this sport will drive a spike in your heart.
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