The Wisconsin volleyball team finished its non-conference season by winning the Loyola Marymount Invitational this weekend in Los Angeles. The Badgers racked up three impressive victories to bring their season record to 8-1.
The No. 10 Badgers began the tournament Friday evening against Columbia, thumping the overmatched Ivy Leaguers 30-9, 30-15, 30-15 - Wisconsin's lowest opponent point total (39) since the advent of rally scoring.
It was a good match for us to start the tournament, but it was a tough situation for Columbia,"" head coach Pete Waite said. ""We were able to get some different people on the floor and get some more experience.""
Sophomore outside hitter Caity DuPont led all players with 10 kills and five blocks against the Lions. Freshman setter Nikki Klingsporn ran the UW offense and had 27 assists in the victory.
Wisconsin swept Tulane in the second match of the tournament 30-27, 30-22, 30-27, handing the Green Wave its second loss of the season. Although the Badger offense struggled at times, it used two service aces by sophomore Brittany Dolgner and an 8-0 run in the third game to clinch the win.
In the tournament championship, the Badgers defeated host Loyola Marymount 21-30, 30-24, 30-23, 27-30, 15-13 in a thrilling five-game marathon. Dolgner was her usual self, totaling 22 kills, and freshman outside hitter Allison Wack had a career high 18 kills in the match.
""We were inconsistent a good part of the match, but we saw some great play off the bench from Amanda Berkley and Al Wack,"" Waite said. ""Kat Dykstra came on strong with some big blocks in the fifth game and was really a force at the net tonight.""
Senior libero Jocelyn Wack had a match-high 22 digs, and senior setter Jackie Simpson also led all players with 58 assists to aid in Wisconsin's tournament championship.
""I think Jackie did a nice job of running the offense and getting things back on track,"" Waite said. ""She made some pretty spectacular sets at some critical times.""
Wisconsin, led by Reineke and senior Audra Jeffers with seven blocks apiece, out-blocked LMU 15 to 4.5. Dykstra and Simpson each added four.
""We're happy to end the non-conference season with a tournament win on the road,"" Pete Waite said. ""I think it will be good as we hit the road in the Big Ten season right away.""
Wisconsin will have next weekend off before it travels to Champaign, Ill., for its Big Ten season opener against Illinois Sept. 19.
