While the Badger volleyball team (10-1, 2-0 Big Ten) may be known for its talented set of underclassmen, it was the upperclassmen who came up huge on a weekend where the team needed it most. Seniors Sheila Shaw and Aubrey Meierotto combined with juniors Maria Carlini and Katie Lorenzen to put on a show as No. 10 Wisconsin upset No. 5 Minnesota (11-2, 1-1) on Friday, then disposed of Iowa (10-4, 1-1) on Sunday. The win against Iowa propelled head coach Pete Waite to No. 1 on the all-time win list for UW volleyball.
\We've had some great teams, just a lot of really fun seasons,"" Waite said. ""When a record comes along like that, it's nice to see.""
With all the hoopla and national ramifications surrounding the match against Minnesota, it's no question that some of the team was a little nervous starting out. It showed in the first game, as Wisconsin made many errors in a 19-30 loss.
""We talked to the seniors and captains a lot about just sensing what the team needs at any given time,"" Waite said. ""I think they could tell a few people were rattled a little bit.""
In came the upperclassmen brigade, as Lorenzen entered the match as setter to stem the rising tide. Her steady hand, Shaw's five kills and Carlini's seven digs helped lead the Badgers to a 30-27 win. However, the third game was the major momentum changer, albeit in a loss. After going up 24-12, the Gophers seemed on their way to an easy blowout win. That was not to be the case, as Wisconsin went on a 16-6 run and barely fell short, 30-28.
""We've been down in games before and we've made big comebacks,"" Meierotto said. ""We're never out of a game and I think we all know that.""
On the brink of defeat, UW rebounded to get an extremely competitive 30-24 win that included eleven ties and seven lead changes. Forcing a pivotal game five, the Badgers made the best of it, leading the entire way to win 15-12 and take home the match. The upset was truly a team effort, as four players had 10 or more kills and four players had 10 or more digs. Carlini, off her game a little on the attack, instead added 17 digs, while Shaw led the team in kills and blocks, with 16 and 13, respectively. However, the game ball belonged to Lorenzen with 25 assists, according to coach Waite.
""It was huge the way Katie came in there and got us on track,"" Waite said. ""I was a little nervous, but [as the match went on], I got a lot more confidence,"" Lorenzen said.
After such an emotional win, the Sunday match against Iowa seemed to be an afterthought. Nonetheless, Iowa did put up a fight but was overmatched as Wisconsin won in their traditional three-game style, 30-28, 30-17, 30-21. Carlini and freshman Audra Jeffers made up for off nights on Friday with a combined 27 kills and sophomore Jackie Simpson returned to form as well with 29 assists.
The Badgers are scheduled to hit the road next weekend vs. Purdue and Illinois.
