The Wisconsin volleyball team returned to action Saturday at the Field House as it split a four-set spring match against North Dakota State. After losing the first pair of tight sets 25-23, 25-20 to the Bison, Wisconsin rallied to even the match with two wins 25-16, 25-23.
""It's always nice as a coach to see that comeback, for them to figure out what needs to happen on the court,"" interim assistant coach Cathy Noth said. ""So they provided more energy and started to come together as a team. And that really builds a team—it builds confidence and betters themselves for the fall season.""
Although the 2-2 final tally was the official final score, the UW coaching staff realizes the spring season is worth more than just wins and losses.
""In the spring, it's all about individual training and trying to get the team to come together and be successful as a team,"" Noth said. ""I thought today was a good stepping stone for that.""
Noth said Wisconsin is looking to work on its fundamentals, specifically passing skills and picking up the tempo offensively—elements that plagued the Badgers at times last season.
""Spring is about our side of the net—having our players be successful and figuring out how to win and to better themselves as players,"" Noth said.
Returning to the 5-1 offense, sophomore setter Janelle Gabrielsen had a match-high 40 assists.
""I feel like I am getting more comfortable, and everyone's getting comfortable with it,"" Gabrielsen said. ""I feel like I'm getting into a rhythm and I feel like it's just going well for us. Right now, I just have to get to know my hitters and where they want the ball.""
Gabrielsen has had to adjust not only to a new offense, but also several new faces in the lineup, including redshirt junior and Northern Iowa transfer Jessa Benson.
""I came here not really knowing what role I would play,"" said Benson, who averaged 9.49 assists per set as the Panthers' setter last season. ""It seems I've been thrown around into many different positions.""
Benson played all-around Saturday, hitting right side for the most part, tallying six kills and 10 digs.
Senior outside hitter Brittney Dolgner led the Badgers with 14 kills, with fellow outside hitter and junior Allison Wack adding 13 kills.
Wisconsin head coach Pete Waite and assistant coach Brian Hefferman were both off on recruiting trips, and assistant coach Colleen Bayer was out due to the recent birth of her third child. Thus, Noth, a former assistant coach at Nebraska for 10 years and Bayer's replacement this spring season, stepped in to take the helm.
""That's what makes it so fun is to come into the gym and work with elite athletes that have great attitudes,"" Noth said. ""This program, they're building themselves to be contenders in the Big Ten and they've worked hard.""
UW will return to the Field House next Saturday to face Illinois in its final spring match of the season. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
