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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.
New setter playing big role for Lewis
Jeff Vorva | Chicago Tribune
Setter Scott Fifer during his first season in the starting lineup has guided No. 2 Lewis’ offense to be third in the nation with a .348 attack percentage. This personality profile looks at how Fifer in high school transitioned from an outside attacker to a setter and what he has meant to the Flyers this season.
UCLA faces key second match vs. Long Beach State
Claire Fahy | Daily Bruin
No. 9 UCLA started the second half of its conference season during the weekend trying to move closer to solidifying a spot in the upcoming eight-team MPSF Tournament. This preview story for its home match against No. 10 Long Beach State looks at the mind-set of UCLA as it attempts to get signature conference victories in the upcoming weeks.
Coach preaches improved trajectory in EIVA title hunt
Mark Puleo | The Daily Collegian
Despite having a team entering March with a losing streak for one of the first times in his coaching career, Mark Pavlik is still confident Penn State can win the EIVA championship. This news-feature story examines the improvement that the Nittany Lions have shown in recent weeks as they begin the second half of the season.
UCLA hands Cal State Northridge its sixth straight loss
Tanner Walters | Daily Bruin
Outside attacker J.T. Hatch had a match-high 17 kills to help No. 9 UCLA defeat No. 14 Cal State Northridge in four games on Tuesday. This game story focuses on how an in-match adjustment of moving Hatch from libero to outside attacker contributed to the Bruins’ victory.