John Baylor Tour Blog: May 22

The Huskers just defeated the JT Professional team two games to one.  After losing game #1 25-20, Nebraska won game #2 26-24 and game #3 25-23.  This was impressive.  After yesterday`s close game losses, the team and coaches spoke at length about how to win, defining success, coming back, and a host of other issues.  Today they stuck together and came back from deficits in games 2 and 3.

Now for volleyball strategy junkies: the one setter offence gave each setter an opportunity these past two days. Also it allows the libero, Dani Busboom, to play all but half of one rotation.  Busboom looked good, especially today.  Both setters, Rachel Holloway-- who played five of the eight games-- and Maggie Griffin, played well.

The other position up for grabs is the M2 or second middle blocker spot.  Amanda Gates had an impressive two days here versus JT.  Kori Cooper, the team`s lone freshman until Brook Bartek joins us in August, played one game today and looked good.  You can see the team growing and leaders emerging.  Particularly impressive performances put in during these eight games in 22 hours versus JT came from Busboom, Gates, Griffin, and Tracy Stalls.  Though just May, today was meaningful in the development of this group.

After a Tuesday lunch with the JT players, we`re off to Den-Den Town, which is the reknowned electronics shopping area of Osaka. 

Just another 24 hours in Japan before we fly to Beijing Wednesday afternoon.  One more day of changing shoes whenever we enter a building, one more day of bowing in respect to those we meet, and one more day of sushi.  The players should look back fondly at the first leg of this 18 day journey, memories that now include success against Japanese professional athletes.