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It’s your top five men’s volleyball story list, but with a twist.
Every Sunday during the men’s volleyball regular season, Off the Block will post the top five best men’s volleyball stories of the week from around the nation. The list, though, is based more on how well the reporter wrote and covered the story rather than just what happened on the court.
Off the Block will be primarily looking at a college newspapers — they provide the majority of coverage to the sport — but occasionally it will include some well written men’s volleyball articles from professional newspapers.
In many communities volleyball is a non-mainstream sport that has a niche following. One of the exciting things for reporters covering volleyball, though, is finding that interesting angle that could appeal to volleyball and non-volleyball fans.
Going beyond the box score and game notes to provide readers with insight on the team that they can’t got anywhere else is one of the most important skills for a sports reporter.
This list is to honor those efforts.
Hawai’i takes down No. 2 Pepperdine
Marc Arakaki | Kaleo
For the first time this season, an online video makes the top five stories of the week list. This video package looks at Hawai’i’s five-game upset against No. 2 Pepperdine on Friday and includes games highlights and interviews with the Warriors players and coaches following the conference victory.
Comfort leads Penn State in first home match
Darian Somers | The Daily Collegian
Outside attacker Tom Comfort had a match-high 18 kills as Penn State defeated Lewis in its home opener. This game story focuses on how Comfort’s big offensive performance helped the Nittany Lions play more relaxed in its first home match.
UCLA works on defensive fundamentals
Young Rae Kim | Daily Bruin
Following UCLA’s nationally televised four-game loss to No. 5 Stanford on Tuesday, coach John Speraw had his team go back to basics in practice and emphasized defensive fundamentals. This news-feature story examines why Speraw made this move and how it could benefit UCLA for its match against Pacific on Sunday.
Penn State begins EIVA play this weekend
Aaron Carr | The Daily Collegian
The conference alignments for college men’s volleyball are specific to the sport — and as a result can be confusing for the new or casual fan of a team. This feature article breaks down the EIVA for new fans, and how the one-sport conference benefits and hurts Penn State.
Ohio State’s Overman embraces leadership role
Daniel Rogers | The Lantern
Middle attacker Grayson Overman as one of the few returning starters for the Buckeyes has needed to have a greater leadership role this season. This news-feature story discusses the challenges Overman had transitioning to this new role, but how he has now embraced it.