way too premature to make that claim.
there are a lot of new pieces, both from the portal and from the incoming freshmen. and then Izzy's leave changed multiple things, including rotations, blocking dynamics when the setter is in the front court rotation, and getting used to the new setter (who was a portal addition).
Based on her past success, Martin looked to be their best hitter before the start of the season. She's certainly lived up to that.
It usually takes time to fully integrate new additions, and grow as a team. Last year's team, which we celebrate for winning the NCAAs in December, had a number of issues at the beginning of last season. PSU's schedule this season, and Izzy's leaving, have not really given the team time to become cohesive. Only time will tell how much they improve in the coming weeks/months, but history has shown that most PSU WVB teams improve a great deal as the season progresses. The coaches know what they are doing, and the roster is full of quality players.
My suspicion is that they'll be in the thick of things come December. But who knows? They may end up, as you speculate, not even make the Sweet 16.
