Coach Knipe typically does a Monday morning press release going over the previous weekend matches and other things. This one is kind of long but worth watching, Knipe is a master of communications. If you can't take 18 minutes away from your life, here are some interesting things I learned:

1. Moni was sick all last week and was recovering in the two matches vs Hawaii.

2. Sotiris and Bouchkov injury status, Knipe said he can't give specifics due to HIPAA (federal health privacy rules). I've suspected the reason we hear nothing anymore about injuries is for whatever reason, LBSU athletics has decided to be very strict about HIPAA.

For MVB fans, both are 'day to day' and I believe, unless something reverses with their injuries, they will both be playing soon, Soto more than Bouchkov only because at the UCSB home match last weekend, I saw Soto doing very fluid bump drills between sets (passing drills) the only thing he wasn't doing was high flying jumps. He has a sore lower left side back thing...only know that because I've seen him before games stretching it out and pointing it out to a coach. So I'm guessing.

I'm excited! Both guys are emotional leaders, Soto is pure joy and emotion in games, Bouchkov is more like fireworks can get really pumped after a big kill or block and can get testy with the other side of the net, scowl and growl type. Both are important if not done to extremes, we have a couple guys in Moni and McRaven who have this capability but not as pronounced...it will help in the drive for a championship. Volleyball is a very mental game.

3. Moni is such an extreme competitor I think he is impossible to voluntarily get off the court. Once in a lifetime talent and attitude.

4. The travelling to Hawaii and playing match 2 till 1:30 am PST Knipe answered beautifully, yeah its something to consider but we don't. Never seen Coach Knipe this 'smiley' he's almost always full on down to business. I think he is sensing relief at the split series in Hawaii there are advantages that may be subtle...its like in bball its hard to beat even a low-mediocre BW team 3x in one season, that kind of stuff.

Senior night on Saturday night v UCSD. UCSD is tough and we can't let up, Friday night at UCSD I would go but can't, might be able to watch it though. Will be there Saturday hoping and praying Soto gets some minutes he is one of my favorite Beach athletes of all time just a great athlete all around carefree but super skilled volleyball player.