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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.
Langlois earns his spot with BYU
Darnell Dickson | Daily Herald
BYU outside attacker Jake Langlois is having a breakout season but his college career started with him having to ask the Cougars coaching staff if he could tryout for the team. This personality profile examines how Langlois went from being a walk-on and keeping stats during matches to the top offensive option for BYU this season.
Ball, IPFW put on good show against Penn State
Blake Sebring | The News-Sentinel
With Hall of Fame coach Arnie Ball being his typical energetic self on the sidelines, IPFW upset then-No. 10 Penn State last week. This column examines how Ball’s emotion during the match helped push his players to complete the home upset against the Nittany Lions.
UCLA focuses on finer details
Claire Fahy | Daily Bruin
No. 9 UCLA will attempt to rebound from losing its first two conference matches as it plays three matches in the next five days. This preview stories examines the importance of these three matches and how the Bruins’ preparations for the upcoming home matches.
Winless Penn State maintains confidence
Matt Martell | The Daily Collegian
No. 15 Penn State is on its longest losing streak during the rally scoring era, but the coach staff and players are still confident they can win a national championship at the end of the season. This preview story for Penn State’s matches this weekend looks at why Penn State has struggled to open the season but can recover before the NCAA Tournament in May.