Dustin

I was wondering what conference RPI was against the Summit. I assumed because Denver was #60 in the 11/12/17 NCAA RPI (UND was #81) that the Summit League would be higher. I thought the Big Sky had a lot of parity at the top this year - there was only one sweep in 7 conference tournament games (Idaho over Idaho St in the quarterfinal).

That would take a ranking higher than 48, correct?

Dooley and Griffin, yes. Not ready to give Merselli that honor. I would argue for Lexi Robinson over her, but not sure she’s even top 5. Other names I would add to a top 5 consideration are Nikki Husfeldt, McKenzie Hart, Ronni Munkeby, Lisa Parlich, and Chelsea Moser.

Was a little disappointed with some of the conference losses that cost them the chance to host again. That was really the only way the season could have been sweeter.

Absolutely. She had a great conference tournament. Bruggeman too.

Only top 16 teams are seeded, so while that would incredible, I don’t think our stock is that high. Will have play a regional team like Minnesota or Nebraska.

Played a beautiful 4th set, and continued that play right to the championship! Gutsy win. Congrats, ladies. Represent UND strong.

I am hoping 30 wins is not the finish!

All the top seeds advance setting up what should be a fantastic semifinal round.

Nailbiter set 4, but UND (finally) prevails with a 29-27 win. Whew!!!! On to the semi-final, and good riddance to Weber St! They played us tough this year.

UND takes set 3 25-19 for a 2-1 lead.

Back and forth second set leads to a 1-1 tie at the break. WSU won 25-23. Need better play from here on out.

UND takes opening set 25-17 over Weber St in the Big Sky quarterfinal.

Yes, great article. I love hearing Pryor's vision and philosophy. I was a little skeptical with him at first, but last year's late season dominance made me a believer.

Yes, that is correct. That idea is ok, but it doesn't really reward the current team that would reap the most benefits from playing a tourney at home. I would prefer that the regular season champion get to host the current tournament.

About a week or a week-and-a-half ago, I looked at the Summit League website to see how the conference tournament host is determined. At that time, Denver was already announced as the host, but Oral Roberts was leading the standings, and the season wasn't even over. So, based on that, the tournament is at a pre-determined location. I also meant to look into the conference schedule to see how league games are organized. If they are truly Friday to Sunday, I think UND Athletics Department would take issue with that, with hockey games on Friday and Saturday nights. I really liked the Thursday night/Saturday mid-day schedule. Maybe UND will get to choose it's game nights/days. I would think Denver would prefer to not play on Friday, also being a hockey school.

I think that's what people need to hear.

I was really only stating the minimum qualifications for keeping his job. Obviously, progress would be a playoff win.

I hadn’t watched the presser until now, so he did not initiate the comment, it was asked. Wonder if he was anticipating the question?

I would agree. With no staff changes, bubba has next season to make the playoffs again or bust.

Does the fact that he had to say it mean that it’s obvious to him that it’s on the minds of the fans?

Maybe Bubba called in a favor to Lennon...

The seeding I listed is correct. UND plays Weber St in the first quarterfinal of the day on Thursday. Game time is 11 am PT (1 pm CT).

I would say a 7+ win season with a playoff appearance would be enough for Bubba’s job to be safe. A step forward would be building off of the 2016, and winning a playoff game, even if it weren’t at home or as a seeded team.

Have not seen a release from the conference, but I believe the volleyball seeds are as follows: 1) Sacramento St 2) North Dakota 3) Idaho 4) Portland St 5) Northern Arizona 6) Idaho St 7) Weber St 8) Northern Colorado