Badger 2024 Volleyball

[Voyageur]

Yeah, I don't have BTN+ , but not too worried about being able to find the game.

I understand. You'll get them. You just have to be a bit creative.

 

[Voyageur]

I'm not certain what's wrong, but this team is not a contender, and probably won't be, later in the season. They're making mistakes out there on the court that they weren't last year, and if you look at the stats from tonight, we only have a couple of players who can deliver kills.

I noticed Kelly is using some of is younger players in spurts. Might as well find out what he's got for next year, because this year is slowly ebbing away.

The setting was horrible tonight. The ball was too low constantly, even though the sets were often easy to make. Our net game suffered because of it.

Kelly needs to do something quick or this is a middle of the pack Big 10 team at best, and quite honestly, that will hurt recruiting pretty significantly.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm not certain what's wrong, but this team is not a contender, and probably won't be, later in the season. They're making mistakes out there on the court that they weren't last year, and if you look at the stats from tonight, we only have a couple of players who can deliver kills.

I noticed Kelly is using some of is younger players in spurts. Might as well find out what he's got for next year, because this year is slowly ebbing away.

The setting was horrible tonight. The ball was too low constantly, even though the sets were often easy to make. Our net game suffered because of it.

Kelly needs to do something quick or this is a middle of the pack Big 10 team at best, and quite honestly, that will hurt recruiting pretty significantly.

Minny is a tough team, especially at home. I think they had won 16 straight sets, until the Badgers took Set #1. I'm not as disappointed in the outcome as you. A W would have been nice, but nonetheless, it was a very close match and I did see improvement in the Badgers game.

 

[Voyageur]

Minny is a tough team, especially at home. I think they had won 16 straight sets, until the Badgers took Set #1. I'm not as disappointed in the outcome as you. A W would have been nice, but nonetheless, it was a very close match and I did see improvement in the Badgers game.

Unless those sets get higher, we're in trouble. When you have players the height we do, you take advantage of it, by skying the set so they can go up and drive it down. They're ending up trying to push the ball past extended hands, not down at them with angles that keep the ball from being blocked back at us. So far, that's Charlie's only weakness, and it comes in spurts. She's talented, but just learning the game at height. That's what separates it so much from the HS game. The height of players.

When you look at the number of kills slammed down the Badgers throats last night, and seeing setters covering up because they are getting bullet shots right at them, you need to work on that elevation of sets.

But, that's about all I can say. A lot of what I offered there was from my daughter, who was all conference in HS volleyball for two years, and played for two years at a DIII level in college, until she decided to concentrate more on her studies to get two degrees.

My daughter is 5-10, and in HS, that's fairly tall for volleyball. In college, she was a midget, and was a setter. Her coach kept pounding on her to set the ball higher, because he had some strikers who were over 6-2. She was used to setting for the 5-10 to 6-0 girls.

 

[Voyageur]

Wisconsin started out sluggish against Michigan, then turned it on. They're by far a better team. They actually lost their first set in quite some time, and that was uncharacteristic of them, when they play against lesser talent.

Of course, a steady dose of getting the ball rammed down your throat by the Badgers bigs took it's toll on the blocking of Michigan, and they ended up being less of a challenge.

I do like the way Kelly let's his assistants handle a lot of the discussions during time outs, because they're scrutinizing the specifics in the match, while Kelly is concentrating on the personnel match ups.

Incidentally, last night's win was #305 for Kelly as Badgers HC. He's now tied with the most in Badger history. The next game, he becomes the all time leading coach.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Wisconsin started out sluggish against Michigan, then turned it on. They're by far a better team. They actually lost their first set in quite some time, and that was uncharacteristic of them, when they play against lesser talent.

Of course, a steady dose of getting the ball rammed down your throat by the Badgers bigs took it's toll on the blocking of Michigan, and they ended up being less of a challenge.

I do like the way Kelly let's his assistants handle a lot of the discussions during time outs, because they're scrutinizing the specifics in the match, while Kelly is concentrating on the personnel match ups.

Incidentally, last night's win was #305 for Kelly as Badgers HC. He's now tied with the most in Badger history. The next game, he becomes the all time leading coach.

I think things are coming together nicely for the Badgers. Are they good enough to win another National Championship? Right now, probably not. However, I think Kelly's plan of shuffling up the lineup, testing chemistry between different groups is paying off. Every match seems to show improvement in various things and of course, they are getting the W's.

I guess we will get a good litmus test if just how far the Badgers have come. Their next match is an easier one, at Indiana. However, after that they head to Purdue to play the #10 ranked team in the Country and the following Saturday, a HUGE match against the #2 Cornhuskers. They get Nebraska in the friendly confines of the Fieldhouse, the rafters will be filled and the roof may just get blown off that night!

 

[Voyageur]

I think things are coming together nicely for the Badgers. Are they good enough to win another National Championship? Right now, probably not. However, I think Kelly's plan of shuffling up the lineup, testing chemistry between different groups is paying off. Every match seems to show improvement in various things and of course, they are getting the W's.

I guess we will get a good litmus test if just how far the Badgers have come. Their next match is an easier one, at Indiana. However, after that they head to Purdue to play the #10 ranked team in the Country and the following Saturday, a HUGE match against the #2 Cornhuskers. They get Nebraska in the friendly confines of the Fieldhouse, the rafters will be filled and the roof may just get blown off that night!

Sheffield believes this is the most talented team he's had over his years in Madison. I think it's a question of how you play them, considering that this is the last year for so many of them, and he needs to insure that some of the new players get some floor time, so they'll be back and ready to play more next year.

He's always been good at blending new players into his program. I think it will continue, and I have a hunch that next year we're going to see some top level players like Fuerbringer ending up in Madison. Watching her game grow this year at this point is amazing. She's doing things you only see out of players with years of experience.

Also, I expect a couple of top level transfers with height coming into the program. The last thing Kelly will do is go small. He likes those heavy hitters who can go on top.

When it comes to the tournament, it's all going to be determined on how much more they can develop as a team. So far, it's been a fairly substantial improvement. Hopefully, Orzal will come back for a 5th year, as well as Smrek.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I don't keep close tabs on other teams, but I do know this, even the teams that are #1 this week are potentially losing in the next week. While Pitt and Nebraska appear to be the 2 best teams, for now, they both have lost a Match. Surprisingly, they both lost to the same team, SMU. SMU is currently ranked #12.

The Badgers have won their last 7 matches buy a combined record of 21 sets to 2. That is some major dominance. We saw yesterday how they can have an off set and then come back and just destroy their opponent, on the road no less.

I think come tournament time, the Badgers are going to be back up there in the top 5 and hopefully get some home matches. Let's just hope they don't have to face SMU or Texas, until the finals, those are the 2 teams that scare me.

 

[Voyageur]

I don't keep close tabs on other teams, but I do know this, even the teams that are #1 this week are potentially losing in the next week. While Pitt and Nebraska appear to be the 2 best teams, for now, they both have lost a Match. Surprisingly, they both lost to the same team, SMU. SMU is currently ranked #12.

The Badgers have won their last 7 matches buy a combined record of 21 sets to 2. That is some major dominance. We saw yesterday how they can have an off set and then come back and just destroy their opponent, on the road no less.

I think come tournament time, the Badgers are going to be back up there in the top 5 and hopefully get some home matches. Let's just hope they don't have to face SMU or Texas, until the finals, those are the 2 teams that scare me.

I agree. I realize Nebraska is an excellent team, but they're on par with the Badgers and between them it a matter of which team gets the hot hand. The advantage Wisconsin has is that their game is growing, and Nebraska seems to be at their peak.

Texas and SMU. Two teams that NIL have helped to make juggernauts. Let's face it. This is what college sports has become. The best players migrate to teams that get the most NIL money in their pockets.

Glover, who graduated from SMU, was making over $100k on one deal alone. There were others, and rest assured, oil money talks at SMU and of course Texas.

 

[Voyageur]

Watched Wisconsin dismantle Indiana in 3 sets last night. I can only marvel at how well Charlie Fuerbringer has developed her game. She could well be one of the top setters in the nation already. The Hoosiers were without their two heavy hitters, so it made the game a little lopsided, and the Badgers took advantage of it.

This coming week, a match against Nebraska, is going to tell us a lot as to how far they've come since the early season, where they came out cold to start the season.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Watched Wisconsin dismantle Indiana in 3 sets last night. I can only marvel at how well Charlie Fuerbringer has developed her game. She could well be one of the top setters in the nation already. The Hoosiers were without their two heavy hitters, so it made the game a little lopsided, and the Badgers took advantage of it.

This coming week, a match against Nebraska, is going to tell us a lot as to how far they've come since the early season, where they came out cold to start the season.

Yeah, Charlie is going to be a very special player by the time her career at Wisconsin is over. Let's just hope she doesn't get lured away with a big NIL deal.

I think Freshman Lola Schumacher is settling into the libero position nicely. While I like Gulce Guctekin, I think Schumacher is more consistent in the role. Either player adds a nice rotational piece.

Big match against #10 Purdue tomorrow and then back home to face the #2 Cornhuskers on Nov. 1st. Tickets are still available for the Match with Nebraska, but they are a bit pricey.

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[Voyageur]

Yeah, Charlie is going to be a very special player by the time her career at Wisconsin is over. Let's just hope she doesn't get lured away with a big NIL deal.

I think Freshman Lola Schumacher is settling into the libero position nicely. While I like Gulce Guctekin, I think Schumacher is more consistent in the role. Either player adds a nice rotational piece.

Big match against #10 Purdue tomorrow and then back home to face the #2 Cornhuskers on Nov. 1st. Tickets are still available for the Match with Nebraska, but they are a bit pricey.

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When you've got a product like the Badgers, tickets are in demand. I should have mentioned Schumacker. She does look like she's going to be a great libero. She plays with a lot of energy. She made a couple of digs last night that I thought sure were on the deck, but she saved them. In both cases, the Badgers got the point, and it was part of rallies that helped them win sets.

I like the way Sheffield talks about his accomplishments. They aren't his. They belong to all those people who have been with him over the journey, and make it happen. That's leadership. He also refuses to compare abilities of players from the past and today. He constantly reminds everyone that each player brings their own unique skills to a position, and he let's them play it out with those skills.

I've never liked coaches that use the word "I," except when they're saying; "I" owe it to those around me who make it work. That's Kelly, and you can see the players hanging on every word he and the staff say.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

When you've got a product like the Badgers, tickets are in demand. I should have mentioned Schumacker. She does look like she's going to be a great libero. She plays with a lot of energy. She made a couple of digs last night that I thought sure were on the deck, but she saved them. In both cases, the Badgers got the point, and it was part of rallies that helped them win sets.

I like the way Sheffield talks about his accomplishments. They aren't his. They belong to all those people who have been with him over the journey, and make it happen. That's leadership. He also refuses to compare abilities of players from the past and today. He constantly reminds everyone that each player brings their own unique skills to a position, and he let's them play it out with those skills.

I've never liked coaches that use the word "I," except when they're saying; "I" owe it to those around me who make it work. That's Kelly, and you can see the players hanging on every word he and the staff say.

It goes without saying, Kelly Sheffield is really a special coach. The success that the Badgers have had, all circles back to him. He came in when the program was down and ever since, I believe his teams have been in the NCAA Tournament every season. He has posted a record of 306-65 (.825 winning%).

As you said though, the most special part of Sheffield is not just his coaching record it his relationship with his players, staff and fans. I would love to see them play at the Kohl Center a few more times each season, but they have made the Fieldhouse their home and typically pack all 7000 "seats". When Kelly hangs things up, I fully expect that they rename the building to "The Kelly Sheffield Fieldhouse".

 

[Voyageur]

It goes without saying, Kelly Sheffield is really a special coach. The success that the Badgers have had, all circles back to him. He came in when the program was down and ever since, I believe his teams have been in the NCAA Tournament every season. He has posted a record of 306-65 (.825 winning%).

As you said though, the most special part of Sheffield is not just his coaching record it his relationship with his players, staff and fans. I would love to see them play at the Kohl Center a few more times each season, but they have made the Fieldhouse their home and typically pack all 7000 "seats". When Kelly hangs things up, I fully expect that they rename the building to "The Kelly Sheffield Fieldhouse".

I hope, before he hangs 'em up, they have a long row of NCAA Championship banners hanging in the rafters, so nobody will ever forget that he's been there. Also, a statue of him, in front of the building, and moved to a new location, if one is every built.

I think you're right on the 7k attendance. But, for teams like Nebraska, you need all the seats you can get, and it can be a banner pay day for the program.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Wow!!!! That was a thorough butt kicking today by the Badgers!! They fully dominated all 3 sets. That was a complete win over the #10 raked team, at their 15,000+ packed house!

Badgers are getting healthy and playing well.

Charlie was dominant at the service line!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Fire up!

BIG Match against the Huskers tonight!!!

I think this is the Badgers first key moment of the schedule this season. It will be a good test of just how much the roster has progressed since the beginning of the season.

Whiteout at the Fieldhouse tonight and its going to be shaking!

 

[Voyageur]

Fire up!

BIG Match against the Huskers tonight!!!

I think this is the Badgers first key moment of the schedule this season. It will be a good test of just how much the roster has progressed since the beginning of the season.

Whiteout at the Fieldhouse tonight and its going to be shaking!

Did you get to the match? I watched it on TV. Getting shut out wasn't a good look, but quite honestly, the Huskers are that darned good. Right now, no comparison between the teams. The Huskers have some serious talent. They could be in the hunt for a national title.

We didn't have an answer for their blockers. They were just on their toes, and I don't think I've seen a team that had as many quality digs as I saw from them last night. What looked like sure Badger points ended up being turned into Husker points because of how hard they played.

I can't fault the Badgers to be honest. They were just outplayed by a better team.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Did you get to the match? I watched it on TV. Getting shut out wasn't a good look, but quite honestly, the Huskers are that darned good. Right now, no comparison between the teams. The Huskers have some serious talent. They could be in the hunt for a national title.

We didn't have an answer for their blockers. They were just on their toes, and I don't think I've seen a team that had as many quality digs as I saw from them last night. What looked like sure Badger points ended up being turned into Husker points because of how hard they played.

I can't fault the Badgers to be honest. They were just outplayed by a better team.

Glad I stayed home and watched it on TV, although I am sure that the atmosphere at the FH was still outstanding. I just hate being in a stadium for a thorough butt kicking.

Your thoughts mirror mine. This Match kind of reminded me of the one the Badgers just had at Purdue. Packed Mackey arena, Purdue fans going nuts, with what they thought was a good team and the Badgers coming in and totally dominating. I would say the Badgers dominated the Boilermakers more than the Huskers dominated the Badgers, but still a loss is a loss and the Badger just seemed to fade away in all 3 sets.

The difference in talent level and team work between the Badgers and Huskers was on full display last night. Badgers made way too many unforced errors. Robinson continues to be disappointing to me, and I may be mistaken, but it seems she is getting less and less floor time.

Kelly has his work cut out for him this season if he has any hopes to make the final 4 this year. That had to be a pretty depressing loss last night for the team and maybe a real gut check on just how far they haven't come since those opening losses to top ranked teams.

 

[Voyageur]

Glad I stayed home and watched it on TV, although I am sure that the atmosphere at the FH was still outstanding. I just hate being in a stadium for a thorough butt kicking.

Your thoughts mirror mine. This Match kind of reminded me of the one the Badgers just had at Purdue. Packed Mackey arena, Purdue fans going nuts, with what they thought was a good team and the Badgers coming in and totally dominating. I would say the Badgers dominated the Boilermakers more than the Huskers dominated the Badgers, but still a loss is a loss and the Badger just seemed to fade away in all 3 sets.

The difference in talent level and team work between the Badgers and Huskers was on full display last night. Badgers made way too many unforced errors. Robinson continues to be disappointing to me, and I may be mistaken, but it seems she is getting less and less floor time.

Kelly has his work cut out for him this season if he has any hopes to make the final 4 this year. That had to be a pretty depressing loss last night for the team and maybe a real gut check on just how far they haven't come since those opening losses to top ranked teams.

Something is wrong with Devin Robinson's play, no doubt about it. She puts on a good front but something is lacking. I can't say what, but she definitely is not anywhere close to playing at the level she was last year. They same can be said of Smrek. Her game has taken a step back as well.

I got to thinking what it might be, and I wonder if it's not an issue with personnel usage. I wonder if Fuerenberg being installed in the lineup over experienced players who are solidly friends of those already playing, like Smrek and Robinson, just might have something to do with it.

I don't want this take wrong, but in women's sports, sometimes those emotional things can really hurt a team. It's present on men's teams as well, but usually not quite as obvious.

Just shooting from the hip on that one, because I have no idea if and what could be the problem, but you're right on Robinson, and I think I'm right on Smrek as well. Just something lacking out there.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Something is wrong with Devin Robinson's play, no doubt about it. She puts on a good front but something is lacking. I can't say what, but she definitely is not anywhere close to playing at the level she was last year. They same can be said of Smrek. Her game has taken a step back as well.

I got to thinking what it might be, and I wonder if it's not an issue with personnel usage. I wonder if Fuerenberg being installed in the lineup over experienced players who are solidly friends of those already playing, like Smrek and Robinson, just might have something to do with it.

I don't want this take wrong, but in women's sports, sometimes those emotional things can really hurt a team. It's present on men's teams as well, but usually not quite as obvious.

Just shooting from the hip on that one, because I have no idea if and what could be the problem, but you're right on Robinson, and I think I'm right on Smrek as well. Just something lacking out there

Smrek has had a very inconsistent season, and that inconsistency shows up in almost every match I have watched. She will be on fire with blocks and kills and then suddenly she looks like she can't hit a kill shot in bounds to save herself.

I really don't know what is up with her or Robinson. It almost seems like Kelly is phasing Robinson out. Maybe she is playing with an injury or maybe as you implied, something is up in her personal life and it is effecting her game.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

This is pretty cool, getting to meet the next President of the U.S.

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[Voyageur]

11/9/24 - The Badgers played host to Penn St. The Badgers totally dismantled the Nittany Lions in 3 sets. Watching these ladies play like they did reminded me of Kelly's National Championship team's play. They were amazing above the net.

I hope this is the start of a major awakening in them. Knocking off the #3 team in the nation, who'd only lost 1 contest until now is pretty darned amazing. Especially in straight sets.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

11/9/24 - The Badgers played host to Penn St. The Badgers totally dismantled the Nittany Lions in 3 sets. Watching these ladies play like they did reminded me of Kelly's National Championship team's play. They were amazing above the net.

I hope this is the start of a major awakening in them. Knocking off the #3 team in the nation, who'd only lost 1 contest until now is pretty darned amazing. Especially in straight sets.

Just got done watching it myself! A "Big Badger Wow!" Quite a different team today and let's not lose site of the fact that they beat the #3 Team in the country, as well as PSU being unbeaten in Big10 play.

The first set was back and forth and down to the wire. However, Shumacher's service run in that 2nd set really broke the match wide open. It seemed to take the wind out of PSU's sails and they never recovered.

I noticed Robinson played very little, with CC Crawford getting more playing time. Crawford really played a good match, as did the rest of her teammates.

Possibly the best news was off the court. Charlie's Dad was interviewed between sets and mentioned that he and his wife bought a house in Madison and he is coaching a Madison Pro team in the innuagral season of LOVB (League One Volleyball). The move tells me that Charlie may be here for awhile.

 

[Voyageur]

Just got done watching it myself! A "Big Badger Wow!" Quite a different team today and let's not lose site of the fact that they beat the #3 Team in the country, as well as PSU being unbeaten in Big10 play.

The first set was back and forth and down to the wire. However, Shumacher's service run in that 2nd set really broke the match wide open. It seemed to take the wind out of PSU's sails and they never recovered.

I noticed Robinson played very little, with CC Crawford getting more playing time. Crawford really played a good match, as did the rest of her teammates.

Possibly the best news was off the court. Charlie's Dad was interviewed between sets and mentioned that he and his wife bought a house in Madison and he is coaching a Madison Pro team in the innuagral season of LOVB (League One Volleyball). The move tells me that Charlie may be here for awhile.

That was my thought too. She's more than likely there through her entire college career. Also, I wonder if her Dad might end up being the next man up, when Kelly decides to move on? I have a hunch someone on the West Coast is going to end up with a bundle of cash available to get him on their sidelines in the not to distant future. They love their V-ball out there. So many things have changed in college sports that it's difficult keeping up with what's going to happen next. But, with the growing popularity in both volleyball and basketball on women's teams, there's going to be more NIL money heading in their direction. It will also play in to the future of college hockey. Caitlin Clark opened the box on all of it, and it's just starting to flow.

What amazing representation we have in college sports. The Badgers women volleyball & hockey teams. Too bad we can't get the men's teams to reach the same levels of competition. Maybe we have the wrong teams playing in the bigger arenas of competition?

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I sure hope that Sheffield isn't going anywhere, anytime soon. He's only 54 and has 2 relatively young daughters (10 &12). So I hope he and his family want to stick around Madison until his daughters are at least....30.

His current contract is up at the end of Jan. 2028. Of the schools that are required to report coaches salaries, he is ranked as the having the 4th highest salary ($474,445) on NCAA Women's Volleyball. At some point, Chris McIntosh and the Badger brass, might want to bump him up closer to what Cook is making at Nebraska.

While I do love the atmosphere at the always packed Fieldhouse, I think if keeping Kelly happy and in Madison required more money, they could raise enough of it just by shifting some of the bigger matches to the Kohl Center. I have been in both venues, when packed and yes the Fieldhouse is quaint & full of tradition, but a packed Kohl Center, with twice the capacity, is LOUD and just as crazy. As a fan, the Kohl center is also a lot more comfortable than those hard benches that the FH offers, although if its a good match, you're standing as much as you're sitting.

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