5 thoughts about Wisconsin volleyball's sweep vs. No. 11 Purdue
Another quality win for the Badgers against a ranked conference foe. Here's what stood out.
MADISON, Wis. — There was plenty of love spread around the court during the University of Wisconsin volleyball team’s latest sweep.
No. 10 Wisconsin boasts various offensive weapons, giving setter Charlie Fuerbringer the ability to pick each opponent’s poison when needed. Wednesday’s three-set sweep over No. 11 Purdue at the Field House was yet another example of the balance the Badgers possess as five players recorded at least eight kills.
Outside hitters Una Vajagic and Mimi Colyer led the way with 10 kills each, while middle blockers Carter Booth and Alicia Andrew combined for 17 kills and a .517 hitting percentage.
Wisconsin volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield doesn’t know if it’s what the Badgers envisioned within his offensive attack, but it benefitted them against a program like the Boilermakers.
“I think we’re second in the country in hitting percentage, so I think what we’re able to do is, we’ve got a setter that has the ability of getting it about anywhere,” Sheffield said. “No matter where she is on the court, she can find any hitter. And so if you’re going to game plan and take something away, I think we’ve got the attackers that can kind of make people pay.
“The goal isn’t for us to be balanced most of the time. That’s usually not a goal going in. Now sometimes that happens. But it’s not alright, you’re balanced, that was really good. And if you’re not balanced, that’s bad. And sometimes we’re just trying to exploit a certain area. These guys do a really good job with their schemes, their block schemes, and so if you stay predictable, that’s really at a detriment to you. And so it’s not about punishing a weakness. It’s about making them worry about all of us.”
Here are some thoughts from the sweep for Wisconsin (21-4, 14-3 Big Ten), which now moves into sole possession of second place in the conference with three regular-season matches to play.
Wisconsin’s postmatch news conference
Watch and listen to Sheffield, Vajagic and Andrew answer questions from reporters.