Volleyball Black and Gold Match Quick Hits

Just a couple of quick hits from volleyball's Black and Gold Match earlier tonight:

• Most volleyball followers can easily spot which players look like they're in total control and which ones look like they're completely scrambling. I don't think I've ever seen or will see Lei Wang, Caitlyn Vann or Weiwen Wang look like they're scrambling. Just total, absolute control from those three.
• Write it down: freshman Brittany Brimmage will make a major contribution to this team in 2008. She didn't play club ball in high school since she was a multi-sport athlete, but she's a package of raw athleticism, power and talent. Kreklow seems giddy whenever he talks about her.
• Tatum Ailes' graduation would be devastating if not for Caitlyn Vann. If there's anyone ready to step in for Mizzou's career record holder in digs, it's Vann. She was called a "gamer" by Kreklow about 12 times in a two-sentence span. That passing of the libero torch should be as seamless as can be expected.
• Julianna Klein was still shaking off a little rust from her ACL injury and admitted so afterwards. She said she feels good about her mobility, but she's having to adjust to the little things like getting a feel for the ball again.
• Nicole Wilson came back to help fill out the sides. It was great seeing her back on the volleyball court after I followed her playing basketball last year. Everything she does on the volleyball court seems so natural - nothing forced.
• Her sister, Megan, might be one of my favorite players to watch. That Wilson enthusiasm is contagious. She was getting pumped up during the tense second set... of a scrimmage.