Updates and notes from Brian Pensky. We will use this as a game thread as well.
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I love Van Zandt's play, aggressive, offensive minded. Girls were just a little off, expected first few games. Defensive miscues need to be cleaned up. And Taylor Huff is going to be hard to stop this season.FINAL: FSU wins 2-1 on the road. Taylor Huff the hero.
Gutsy win for the Noles. Crazy conditions away from home with the heat and hostile crowd. Team is far from healthy and a finished product. Result on the road against a good team. You’ll take it every time.
No. 9 TCU on Sunday (8 PM ET, ESPN+)
Agree with all you said. I have been ambivalent about Iwai's play her entire career. Do we know when Nesbeth will return??? Brown literally can play all over the field and changes the dynamic wherever she plays. She is so much better than when the season started last year and her ability to play almost anywhere is going to be a needed factor this season. Van Zant (sp?) is very impressive and her offensive orientation is cool to watch.Team wasn't fully together until about Tuesday and it showed. I actually the Echegini looked tired and as if she was still getting her footing with the group. Maybe she's adjusting to the time change back from Australia (that drastic a change can really mess with people for up to a week). Her touch was still pretty good, but just seemed a little off and slow to the ball. Probably scores the ball she hit off the bar in mid-season form.
Rains being hurt will be tough for the team if it's long term. I thought both outside backs struggled tonight in defense. Van Zant does have some intrigue going forward into the attack, it's smooth. Maybe she gets the lion's share of minutes with Rains out and it allows her to develop quickly.
Not having Nesbeth was obvious, she's the most important player on the team, imo. Has the Jaelin Howell type of impact on the team when she's right and she's one of the vocal leaders. Communication seemed a little lacking at times tonight and I'm not sure Iwai is the solution there full-time, need Lei back soon. Jody Brown's pace and creativity with the ball was missed and there aren't many college defenders that can contain her. Think this could have been a 3 and maybe 4-1 type game if FSU is fully healthy and in mid-season form.
Can't complain with road points though, especially not a win. TCU will be a stiffer test for the group, looking forward to it.