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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.
Lewis rallies to beat Penn State
Kaitlyn Jasnica | The Herald-News
Going to a decisive fifth game has become nothing new for No. 7/7 Lewis. This deadline game story examines how Lewis in its typical fashion this season was able to rally from a two-game deficit and beat No. 13 Penn State in a critical non-conference match on Friday.
Long Beach State sweeps BYU
Mike Guardabascio | Long Beach Press-Telegram
No. 1/2 Long Beach State playing in front of the largest crowd for a NCAA men’s volleyball regular season match in almost a decade had one of its best offensive performances of the season. This game story looks how the Long Beach State a day following a fifth-game overtime loss bounced back to hit almost .500 in a road sweep against No. 3/3 BYU on Saturday.
Senior sendoff for four Hawai’i players
Collin Harmon | Hawaii News Now
No. 4/4 Hawai’i recognized its four seniors for their contributions to the program following its regular season home finale victory against No. 14 CSUN on Saturday. This video package focuses on how this senior class helped the Rainbow Warriors transition from a team struggling to the MPSF Tournament to being a contender for a NCAA championship.
Freshman guides BYU to upset of Long Beach State
Sean Walker | KSL
Freshman setter Will Stanley coming off the bench midway through the match helped No. 3/3 BYU rally to beat No. 1/2 Long Beach State in a fifth-game overtime on Friday. This deadline game story focuses on the success of Stanley in the high-pressure environment of Smith Fieldhouse and how the backup setter sparked the Cougars to a victory.
Ball State can’t slow down Ohio State offense
Hendrix Magley | The Ball State Daily News
All-American opposite Miles Johnson had a match-high 12 kills on a .500 attack percentage as No. 2/1 Ohio State swept No. 11 Ball State on Saturday. This game story examines Ball State coach Joel Walton’s frustration with his team not being able to contain Johnson and the Cardinals having one of their worst offensive performances of the season.