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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.
Hawai’i assistant coach leaves lasting impression
Collin Harmon | KHNL
Milan Zarkovic has been a source of constant positivity since arriving at Hawai’i to help coach his son, All-American outside attacker Sinisa Zarkovic, and the rest of the Rainbow Warriors. This video package and personality profile looks at how the renowned European volleyball coach has embraced his time with Hawai’i and what his relaxed personality means to the team.
Clemens becoming central part of Penn State
Giana Han | The Daily Collegian
Libero Royce Clemens midway through his first season in the starting lineup is among the conference leaders with a 2.30 digs per game average. This personality profile examines how the freshman redshirted last season to transition from outside attacker to libero and his emergence as one of the best liberos in the EIVA.
UCLA trounces UC Santa Barbara in emphatic win
Tanner Walters | Daily Bruin
No. 4/4 UCLA playing in the John Wooden Center with a rambunctious crowd defeated No. 9/7 UC Santa Barbara in four games on Wednesday. This deadline game story focuses on how the Bruins benefited from the home crowd and atmosphere of its smaller alternative home court in the conference victory.
UC Irvine stands to learn from opponents
Brendan Yu | New University
No. 14 UC Irvine survived a near upset and blowing a two-game lead as it defeated last-place UC San Diego in five games on Saturday. This game story looks at how the Antelopes almost lost the match because of errors. It also examines how with UC Irvine in ninth place in the MPSF view every remaining conference match as a postseason match.