After getting off to a perfect 11-0 start through the conclusion of non-conference play, the Badger volleyball squad knew that the start of Big Ten play would bring a whole new challenge. Although the young team continued to play on a high level, the barrage brought to Madison by Big Ten stalwart Ohio State and the three-time defending national champion Nittany Lions of Penn State was simply too much to handle.
While starting the Big Ten schedule with a winless weekend was no doubt disappointing, UW head volleyball coach Pete Waite remained positive at his Monday press conference.
""Our players left those matches still positive with the things they did well,"" Waite said. ""That's what we're working on, just improving our game all the time and getting stronger.""
Although the weak non-conference schedule made the transition to conference play a more challenging task, Coach Waite knows his young team benefited from the early success and that the transition into conference play is just another step in the maturation process.
""We had, overall, a very young squad, and they needed some confidence just to get up to speed to the college level,"" Waite said. ""That's one thing going from high school and club to college, [and another step] now pre-conference play to Big Ten is much different.""
Despite not having a win to show for this weekend, Waite felt that his young team adjusted well to the challenge of conference play and has the tools to compete as the season wears on.
""Friday they responded well, and [if we get] a couple points here and there and we win that match [against Ohio State] and we're feeling pretty darn good about the split on the weekend,"" Waite said.
On the court, the Badgers continued to show signs of improvement, especially from their senior leadership. Friday, the seniors were front and center as outside hitter Allison Wack notched a career-high 20 kills to go along with seven kills while libero Kim Kuzma tallied a match-high 20 digs. In addition to their on-the-court performance, the off-court presence of these senior leaders has been a tremendous asset to the ongoing growth process of the young squad.
After what was undoubtedly their toughest weekend of the season as of yet, the Badgers don't get to take a breath anytime soon as this week brings a Wednesday match-up against No. 7 Illinois and a Friday dual with No. 25 Northwestern.
""Illinois just beat Penn State in five, 17-15 in the fifth down at their place last Friday and Northwestern has probably the best team they've had in 20 years,"" Waite said. ""So the challenges keep coming, but again, I like what some of our players are doing and the progress we're making.""
While the rough start to Big Ten play has brought the Badgers down to earth, Coach Waite remains confident that the improvement process will continue.
""These are things that really, as a squad, even the last two seasons, we weren't doing. Overall, I think this is a positive group,"" coach Waite said.
