Week #3 - No Fear: Varsity Badgers Bring Their Best Against Rival Highland

The Badgers went right at the defending champions, as Lola sent a pass to Sofia for "The Sofia Slam:" her patented quick hit on two. Sofia used that technique to the tune of five points during the first set, keeping Highland on edge no matter how long the ball had been in play. Down 4-2 early in the first set, Maya delivered three straight points from the service line, first with an ace and then with excellent rallies closed out by big swings from Lola off the left side!

 

The team trailed 11-9 when Claire entered, and she had a strong dig to close the gap to one.  Moments later, it was Emory setting Maya for a massive hit, tying the game, and rattling the opponent. Highland called timeout! Tandem continued to show off great passing in the first set - resulting in several terrifying hits from Lola! Highland won the first set 25-18, but Sofia was not deterred. "Let's play with more energy," she asked of her team in between sets, and they fully delivered.

 

The Badgers scored the first two points - first with Maya squeezing a powerful hit through Highland's 6' blockers, and then with a Sofia Slam - a surprise hit on 2. Lola began to alter the angle of her hitting, aiming for cross court slams, and it was effective. The Badgers had already taken the lead when Highland's top hitter lined up for a kill - only to be introduced to the one and only Emory. "They don't know about you," I reminded her this morning, but now they do: Emory brought her best today with a sequence of huge blocks. Moments later, Sofia had a block of her own and Tandem led 7-6!

 

Elisabeth was solid at the net - deflecting a number of big swings from the opponent, while Maya continued to find the perfect spot on the other end of the court. The Badgers opened up their largest lead when Zella got going from the white line, coming through with three consecutive aces that forced Highland to call a timeout! With another Sofia Slam, the Badgers led 16-13. Highland made a late run, but with Maya painting the sidelines and Emory serving up a storm, Tandem brought the set to a 23-23 tie. They closed it out with a big ace from Sofia and a kill from Maya right down the middle, and Tandem tied the match at 1 set a piece.

 

The Badgers did not take a set off Highland back in November. Today, they were in every single set -  winning the second. The opponent was rattled, frustrated and informed - there's serious competition for the top spot in the GPAC. The Badgers continued their strong play in the third set: Althea delivered a big hit and Sofia an ace, and Lola absolutely demolished the ball across the court. Tandem led 6-4 when Emory delivered yet another ace, and Highland called timeout. Maya mixed up her angles - sometimes hitting the ball into the back corner, and others right down the middle. The blockers, both over 6' tall, never touched a ball hit by Maya. They did turn around and admire them as they hit the ground. I did the same.

 

Zella had a three ball kill just as Highland was gaining momentum, cutting the lead to 14-10. Tandem rallied - eventually cutting it to one point at 21-22, highlighted by Emory's ace and Elisabeth's block! Highland was able to take the set 25-21, but the Badgers were right there, playing some excellent, high level volleyball.

 

Opening the season with STAB on the road and Highland in the Badger Den hasn't been easy - but just like the schedule out in Nebraska, it's clear to see that this team is not afraid of a challenge. These Badgers are at the beginning of a process that's going to be special. Let's just put it like this: I wouldn't want to be Wakefield on Friday. The Badgers travel to Wakefield for a 4pm start this Friday, and then have Experience Days off. Feel free to circle your calendar for the 10/14 rematch at Highland - I know they've already done so.

 

Congratulations to this exceptional group led by Coach Anna - a great effort for a team that is just getting started.