The Badger volleyball team (2-8 Big Ten, 13-8 overall) will take on Michigan State (3-7, 11-10) and No. 15 Michigan (8-2, 19-3) this weekend.
Wisconsin's seniors have been stepping it up this season, as outside hitter Allison Wack was named Big Ten Player of the Week after her impressive performances of back-to-back 20-plus kill matches.
""She's strong, she's got great shots and she really has been picking up her defense, which I think has also helped her offense,"" head coach Pete Waite said.
Senior libero Kim Kuzma needs just six digs to move into third on the UW career digs list. Kuzma has contributed double-digit digs in 20 of 21 matches this season.
Defense has been a key for the Badgers lately, as five players recorded double-digit digs at Iowa last weekend, totaling a season-high 85 digs. Freshman defensive specialist/outside hitter Annemarie Hickey has improved greatly so far. She doesn't just put up impressive numbers in assists —she averages 10.44 per set—but also contributes 3.28 digs per set.
Michigan State is coming off a weekend of two losses, falling to Purdue and Indiana. MSU Senior outside hitter Megan Schatzle, who contributes 2.96 kills per set, leads the team. The Badgers will have to look out for senior defensive specialist Allyson Karaba, who leads MSU in digs. The Badgers fell 3-2 to the Spartans earlier this season.
The No. 15 Michigan Wolverines are coming off of a split weekend, falling to Indiana and winning against Purdue. The Wolverines are led by junior outside hitter Alex Hunt, who is third in the Big Ten with .46 aces per set and averages 4.41 kills per set.
The Badgers are going to have to hit around Michigan's blocking force, as freshman middle blocker Jennifer Cross leads the team with 1.11 blocks per set. Earlier this year, the Wolverines came out on top as the Badgers fell 3-0 in Ann Arbor.
Additionally Friday night's game against Michigan State is Breast Cancer Awareness Night and all fans in pink will receive $1 admission. Saturday night's game against Michigan is Costume Night and the fan with the best costume has a chance to win a $150 gift card to Best Buy.
