CSU VOLLEYBALL

Lytle: Team depth pays off for CSU in NCAA tournament

Kevin Lytle
kevinlytle@coloradoan.com

There’s no one on the CSU volleyball team like Taylor Simpson.

The University of Colorado star was flat-out phenomenal and completely unstoppable in Saturday’s second-round match against the Rams.

Simpson almost single-handedly beat Colorado State University with 32 kills on 61 swings before the Rams won in a thrilling five sets.

It’s not a knock on the Rams, but they don’t have any players with her talent and athletic ability.

They know it and freely admit it.

What CSU does have is depth.

It’s what allows the Rams to be successful every year. CSU doesn’t always have the phenomenal athletes found in the Pac12 or at perennial powerhouses like Penn State or Texas.

But top to bottom they’re good.

It showed Saturday as five Rams had 10 or more kills.

The depth goes beyond the kills, as every player is fairly versatile. Adrianna Culbert is brilliant defensively.

In addition to being one of the best in the country at setting the ball, Deedra Foss is a good blocker and great defender.

Kelsey Snider is a strong server, in addition to being a great blocker and lethal in attacks from the middle. The list goes on and on.

That’s how CSU wins consistently.

When the Rams get to matchups like Friday’s Sweet 16 match against No. 2 Texas, they know they won’t be the most athletic team on the floor.

The Longhorns (25-2) have another star outside hitter for CSU to contend with. Senior Haley Eckerman has won Big 12 Player of the Year each of the past three seasons.

She is averaging 3.2 kills per set and the 6-foot-3 outside hitter will be a load to handle.

But that’s expected.

CSU is used to it when facing top programs.

They counter with fantastic defense and use that balanced attack to score points.

CU players looked at CSU and thought they would be able to dominate.

Their arrogance allowed them to think that just because they are in a great conference, they’re automatically better than the school from the weak Mountain West.

I’m sure Texas is thinking the same thing.

College volleyball is dominated by the Pac12 and Big Ten and, to a lesser extent, the Big 12 and ACC.

There aren’t many outsiders that can break into the top tier.

CSU may not match up in the eye test, but the Rams are hoping to prove they belong.

Playing Texas provides that chance.

Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle at twitter.com/Kevin_Lytle and at facebook.com/KevinSLytle for live updates from the regional semifinal in Minnesota.