and this was the first match I've made it down to (since our season is the same time), but to me it was pretty obvious at least on Saturday that defense, coverage, passing, etc. was the difference. Tech's offense was similar to Miami's, IMHO (Tech's first two outside hitters can jump out of the gym). I thought it was a good adjustment putting a taller back side hitter in for the last set, she had a few nice blocks early in the set and made Miami adjust a little.

This isn't a knock on any of Tech's players, but Miami's coverage was much better. Rarely did they pass a ball badly or let a ball hit the floor that wasn't a good kill, and their Libero is the real deal. She had probably 8 or 10 pancakes, and played solidly all around.

Just my 2 cents ....