The UW volleyball team is looking to improve its current 6-2 record as it hosts this weekend's Badger Invitational. The Badgers, in their opening match of the weekend, will take on Bowling Green, Tulane and the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Head Coach Pete Waite is optimistic about the upcoming tournament. Being unsure about the level of competition each team will bring, he plans to \keep our level real high, make the other teams play to that level. We want to continue where we finished last Saturday, with the new line-up and continue getting better before Big Ten play.""
This weekend will be just that for the team after the recent line changes made before the American University match. Senior outside hitter Lori Rittenhouse shifted from middle to right side hitter while freshman middle blocker Lauren Ford took over the middle position.
""I'm a lot more comfortable playing on the right side,"" Rittenhouse said.
""Lori is so experienced on our right side that she really solidifies our block,"" Waite said. ""Lauren will cause our opponents to think twice before they swing in our direction.""
The Badgers, however, look forward to teams swinging in their direction this weekend.
""We play better at home,"" Waite said. ""The crowd is loud and intense at the Field House.""
This Saturday's 12 p.m. game versus Tulane will not be a usual game, however. The team will be competing for their average crowd of about 4,000 as the Badger football team battles Arizona in Camp Randall. With the excitement of the game, noise levels will be high during the match.
""We like it in general,"" said Rittenhouse of the excess noise, ""People come in during halftime and check out a free match. We think it might bring in a few more people for future matches.""
Whatever the size of the crowd this Saturday, the team has established an extensive fan base already this season. This has proven to be surprising for Ford.
""I was a little overwhelmed my first home game. I didn't think too many people had [an] interest to watch volleyball,"" Ford said.
Ford will need to adjust to the attention quickly as the tough competition of the conference draws near.
