Dustin

Idaho has a solid program, and they will add some very nice competition to the Big Sky. 2013 RPI was 139, which would place them 4th in the Big Sky (UND was 112). They've had the same coach for 14 years, who led them to 2 NCAA tournaments, so their AD must think she's doing something right.

The 2014 volleyball roster has been posted on UNDsports.com - quite a different look to the team this year. We'll have to see what kind of impact the Hardee incident had on the team. The roster has been cut from 19 to 16 (not a huge change - I always thought we had a lot of girls on the sidelines). Lots of new (and unpronouncable!) names, with 4 countries represented (USA, Canada, Poland, Australia). Missing from last year's team (2013 non-seniors) are Kellie Schmidt (never played a game, I think Hardee was red-shirting her), Emily Asche, Dani McNallan, Candice Yager, Meagan Hollis, and Naomi Dahl - all of which were ND/MN girls (except Hollis), which is too bad. The good news is that we have nearly all of our starters back, and, hopefully, some new playmakers. Excited to see what's about to unfold!

Yes, I agree. It was almost as if the new format was already in place last season, since the regular season champ got to host.

Under the old system, UND would not have hosted the 2014 volleyball championship, because Portland St. won the tie-breaker. I fully anticipate that UND will host the VB before too long, though.

Thanks. I've been wanting to know this for a long time.

I guess one could also argue that from the beginning of the tournament (1948) to Wisconsin's first (1973) was their longest drought, although they'd only had a team (modern era) since 1963-64. They won their first title before Minnesota won its first - amazing when you think about it.

A couple of things: The Boston College title years are incorrect - you have them winning in 2014 (Union won), but are missing their 2010 NC. So, the number of titles (five) is correct, but the years are incorrect. Also, you mention that UND has the shortest NC drought at 17 years, but Wisconsin went just 16 between their 1990 and 2006 titles. Overall, that is no doubt the top 5, and probably the order I would have them as well.

6 teams makes sense from an attendance standpoint. It would be impossible to not have either UND, UMD, or SCSU playing at least one game. And it would be likely that 2 or even all 3 would be there. That should ease attendance nightmares.

i think Hardee was making around $80k, so I would guess about that or more.

HA! I was working on my post while this was being published We came to the same conclusion independently.

In no particular order, the top 7 are definitely: North Dakota, Minnesota, Denver, Wisconsin, BC, BU, Michigan

I wasn't going to say anything, but since we're talking about dreams, last night I dreamed we scored 3 goals on the Gophers. There was no indication of how many the Gophers scored, or who won the game.

I can't ever remember a Sioux hockey game after which I was more shattered.

If it had been BC and BU, or BC and Michigan, then ESPN probably would have put BC in the night cap. Union is the reason that game is first.

I'm actually pretty sure that UND could go on indefinitely without a nickname, and the NCAA wouldn't care.

I think the rationale behind the 6pm start to games in September is to just allow people to enjoy the remaining warm weather during the afternoon, rather than being inside during the nicest part of a fall day.

VB recruit Faith Dooley is playing in the quarterfinal of the State B girls BB tourney.

It would be awesome if UND could hold an event like this.

Some year, I actually plan to make it to a Big Sky Tournament. I think we have great travel options, especially if you're going to make a vacation out of it. Most of the Big Sky college campuses are close to ski resorts, major metro areas, and National Parks. Can't say the same with the Summit.

I see Louisiana Tech is playing for the Conference USA championship. Our group of seniors beat LA Tech in Grand Forks 2 or 3 seasons ago.

I got my tickets for Big Sky Tourney today!

I'm sure I speak for everybody in that I hope they just take care of business on Thursday, and leave everybody with no doubt.

My wife and I will be there to send out the seniors. It is a little sad that this will likely be the last time I ever see them play.

Weber State is 13-4.

Play of the game - not only a great finish, but the basket came at a crucial time of the game, too.