An emotionally-charged loss against No. 6 Minnesota Friday didn't stop the women's volleyball team from sweeping Iowa Sunday.
The weekend's action puts the Badgers at 2-2 in Big Ten play and 11-4 overall. Friday night's much-anticipated showdown between the No. 14 Badgers and the Gophers lived up to its hype. The Minnesota squad struck first, winning the first game 30-27. As the second game progressed, the Badgers'behind the strong play of senior outside hitter Erin Byrd and junior setter Morgan Shields'took a 20-11 lead. However, the Badgers could not hold on, as Minnesota fought off two UW game points to win the game 32-30.
\We gave [game one and two] away,"" UW Head Coach Pete Waite said. ""We had them 19-11[in game two] and we let them back in the game.""
In games three and four, the Badgers came out with renewed intensity and took control of the match, as Wisconsin dominated Minnesota in all statistical categories with wins of 30-17 and 30-20, respectively.
""There's no way in hell I was going to let my team get swept. I didn't want to lose,"" Byrd.
Unfortunately, in the final game, the Badgers fell behind quickly and could not recover, as they lost 15-10.
""It's unfortunate that it came down to the fifth game where we broke down, and in a 15-point game, you don't have that luxury of coming back in the fifth,"" Waite said. ""We really had a shot to win the match.""
Statistically, the Badgers beat the Gophers in all major categories. Freshman middle blocker Sheila Shaw and junior outside hitter Lisa Zukowski had perhaps their best games this season. However, it was not enough.
""You can tell that we weren't as confident or aggressive. That's something we need to find within ourselves,"" Byrd said.
After recovering emotionally from the tough loss to Minnesota, a vibrant, enthusiastic Badger squad dominated Iowa Sunday.
""I think we've learned a lot this season, and we know how to respond,"" Shields said.
The Badger response to Friday's disappointing loss was overwhelming, as UW won all three games by solid point spreads of 30-15, 30-21 and 30-19. The Badgers dominated Iowa in all statistical categories. Shields, Byrd and senior middle blocker Lori Rittenhouse led the way, playing solid volleyball and set the tone for the rest of the team. Waite commented on the team's victory.
""I thought that was a good win coming off our loss against Minnesota,"" Waite said. ""Today we came out and played a solid game.""
When the Badgers play composed volleyball, they are a hard team to beat, according to Shields.
""We know we're a good team and can compete with anyone in the nation,"" Shields said.
