Follow
It’s your top men’s volleyball stories list, but with a twist.
Every Sunday during the men’s volleyball regular season, Off the Block will post the 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.
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.
UCLA struggles in loss to UC Santa Barbara
Tanner Walters | Daily Bruin
No. 12 UCLA was held to a .134 attack percentage and committed 33 errors in a four-game road loss to No. 9 UC Santa Barbara last week before the start of its bye week. This game story looks at the Bruins’ offensive struggles against the Gauchos and how the loss was a collective team effort
Penn State coach impressed with Seifert’s dedication
Mark Puelo | The Daily Collegian
Penn State middle attacker Matt Seifert recently returned to the starting lineup for the first time since suffering an ankle injury while warming-up for a match in January. This news-feature story examines what the loss of Seifert meant to the team and how the injury allowed the middle attacker to showcase his leadership skills.
Hawai’i ranked No. 1 for first time since 2004
Rob DeMello | KHON2
Hawai’i jumped ahead of Loyola in the latest national coaches poll to earn the program’s first No. 1 ranking in more than a decade. This video package focuses on the players’ reaction to being the top-ranked team in the nation and what the ranking means to the Rainbow Warriors.