I don't understand why Phillips keeps getting penciled in as the starter at Opp when there are better options. She's only effective with a quick, in-system set. Out-of-system (high ball to the right pin) she is terrible and she isn't terminal on the left pin (typically where the Opp hits when receiving serve in rotation 1). Granted passing was a mess in the regional final match against Nebraska, but Phillips had 13 attempts and only earned 1 kill....That's not going to cut it against elite teams. And to make a deep run in the tournament, the right pin hitter has to be just as effective as the left pin hitters. I do think Molly has a quick arm swing and knows how to hit angles, that's why I think she is more suitable at the MB2 position.
Devin and Madi are better options at Opp, with Madi being more terminal...but I'm pretty sure Madi is intent on being a 6-rotation left side hitter. Both can hit in- and out-of-sytem and have a wider range of shots than what Molly can produce.
If Bella does end up starting at MB with Asjia, then I can see Phillips being the starter in the beginning of the season for her experience then Devin taking over as she acclimates to the speed of the college game.
Backrow defense should be stout with Fleck, Akana, Halter, and even Heinrich. I hope Elliott takes a cue from Nebraska and subs the back row with the BEST defensive players on the team (sorry, but Parra is mediocre at best as a DS). The back row floor defense is what's going to keep us in games. Texas should have more than enough fire power in the front row to make up for possible back row attack options.
My ideal line-up:
Lib - Fleck
Setter - SKT or Ewert
OH1 - Logan
OH2 - Madi
MB1 - Asjia
MB2 - Molly or Bella
Opp - Devin
DS for Opp - Akana
DS for OH2 (if needed) - Emma