Men's Hockey
Men's hockey will return to the Kohl Center to face Michigan State and Michigan in the College Hockey Showcase Friday and Saturday with a boost of confidence, according to assistant coach Mike Osiecki.
According to Osiecki, the Badgers have shaken off a slow start to the season, and their recent success is proof of that.
The first or second game of the year, I don't think we had that confidence,"" he said. ""That's something that takes time.""
""Unfortunately, we had to go through some growing pains, being on the road in tough situations, but I certainly think that has helped our confidence, and you saw it Saturday night,"" Osiecki said, referring to Wisconsin's 1-0 win over St. Cloud State.
The Badgers spent the first part of their season mostly on the road, with just three of their first 14 games played in Madison. However, Friday's game against Michigan State will be the first in an eight-game home stand that will last through January.
With the exception of three series against Alaska Anchorage, Minnesota and Minnesota State, the Badgers will play the rest of the 2008-09 men's hockey season at home.
Women's Volleyball
The women's volleyball team will try to make their case for a NCAA Tournament bid with games against Illinois and Purdue Friday and Saturday. Head coach Pete Waite said the team has improved over the season and will need success this weekend if they want to make it to the tournament this year.
""We're making progress, we're a much better team,"" Waite said. ""It's just a matter of getting those big wins.""
He said the strength of the Big Ten as a conference this year has made the season tough on Wisconsin, which he said is currently a ""bubble team."" However, Waite added that it could be an asset for getting into the tournament, especially if they win Friday and Saturday.
""It's to our benefit,"" he said about playing in the Big Ten. ""Hopefully that will get us over the hump, but I'd rather guarantee it,"" he said.
Women's Hockey
The top-ranked women's hockey team kept their 16-game undefeated streak going with wins over New Hampshire Friday and Saturday, and head coach Mark Johnson said Monday he wants to continue at that level of play.
""It was a very successful road trip in a lot of different ways '¦ It was certainly a good matchup for us,"" Johnson said. ""We were able to sustain what we needed to do.""
Wisconsin will look to continue their streak Friday and Saturday when they face Minnesota State.
Women's Basketball
Wisconsin will send another team to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as the women's basketball team will play in the Paradise Jam Tournament over the weekend.
Head coach Lisa Stone said the tournament will be a test for the team, as they will play three games in as many days. However, she said the Badgers are looking forward to the trip and games.
""It's just a great tournament, great field, great competition,"" she said. ""It's a great challenge for us.""
Wisconsin will face Villanova Thursday, Central Florida Friday, and Baylor Saturday.
