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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.
IPFW coach will be missed by his contemporaries
Blake Sebring | The News-Sentinel
The influence of Hall of Fame coach Arnie Ball extends beyond the IPFW program he built and has been felt throughout the nation. This news-feature story examines what the retiringcoach has meant to other college men’s volleyball head coaches.
Lewis claims another win vs. Loyola
Kaitlyn Jasnica | The Herald-News
No. 4 Lewis for the second time this season defeated No. 2 Loyola in four games on Wednesday and took sole possession of first place in the MIVA. This game story, which includes video highlights, looks at how the blocking of middle attackers Bobby Walsh and Jacob Schmiegelt led to the Flyers’ victory.
UCLA fails to finalize upset
Claire Fahy and Tanner Walters | Daily Bruin
No. 12 UCLA below a two-game home lead as it lost to No. 1 Hawai’i in their two-match series opener on Monday. This game story focuses on how the Bruins were unable to complete the upset despite strong performance from middle attacker Mitch Stahl.
Penn State setter excels at modest position
Mark Puleo | The Daily Collegian
Penn State coach Mark Pavlik said not only has setter Taylor Hammond greatly improved this season but has become one of the top setters in the nation. This feature story examines the growth of Hammond and how he has helped contribute to Penn State’s turnaround during the second half of the season.
Persistence personified
Edward Moss | Daily Nexus
UC Santa Barbara outside attacker Kevin Donohue after suffering a shoulder injury almost two years ago has emerged in his senior season to be among the MPSF leaders with a 3.68 kills per game average. This personality profile looks at how Donohue was able to overcome his injury and become the top offensive option for the Gauchos.