Badger 2024 Volleyball

[Voyageur]

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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My first adventures with the Field House goes back into the 50s, attending State basketball tournaments. Then, into the 60s, watching both HS, and the Badgers playing at home. It was acceptable digs in those days, but outdated in today's sports market. But it was cozy, being close to the action, I gotta admit that. I don't think it's too far off they'll be playing all their games in the Kohl to be honest. Like you said, a bigger venue, more attendance, more advertising opportunities, and more money coming in through NIL.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

My first adventures with the Field House goes back into the 50s, attending State basketball tournaments. Then, into the 60s, watching both HS, and the Badgers playing at home. It was acceptable digs in those days, but outdated in today's sports market. But it was cozy, being close to the action, I gotta admit that. I don't think it's too far off they'll be playing all their games in the Kohl to be honest. Like you said, a bigger venue, more attendance, more advertising opportunities, and more money coming in through NIL.

I spent a lot of time in that fieldhouse in my days. Quaint and kind of historic, but the Kohl center seats twice as many, is way more comfortable and is bigger, and closer to student dorms and housing. Not that Camp Randall or the FH are that far, but in the winter time, that trek can make some want to stay home.

I wish they would move women's hockey into the Kohl center, at least for the WCHA games. Their games are typically sold out at The LaBahn Arena and that only seats 2,273. The Kohl Center Seats 17,071. While they might not 100% sell out the Kohl Center for all the WCHA games, I think they easily triple what they are doing at the LaBahn.

I can see it being a tough call for programs like Volleyball and Hockey. Both teams have had a ton of success and part of that success might be packing their "smallish" venues. Changing that formula and playing in front of more people, but in only "half a building full venues", might not feel the same.

With the way the Men's hockey team was playing a few years ago, I almost half expected THEM to swap facilities with the women. Last year they improved a ton, but so far this season, seems they went back to not playing well enough to win games.

​

 

[Voyageur]

Late game tonight. Playing on the West Coast. Starts at 10 PM CT, on BTN. Gonna be a light night stay up for me.

Same tomorrow night. I think it's a 9:30 PM start our time? More West Coast V-ball. We need this sweep.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Another dominating performance last night by Bucky. This one was never really in doubt. Charlie is really taking charge of the attack and her setting and use of all those around her, is really starting to pay dividends. I'll keep saying it, she is going to be one special player by the time her career ends in Wisconsin. Sarah Franklin is just the consistent player that may just win another National Player of the year if she keeps playing such error free ball. I can't recall the stat, but she committed her first hitting error last night in like 3 games and 80+ hits.

It was worth staying up for and as Charlie and Kelly said after, a solid performance, but they still have room to improve. They didn't mention it, but I would like to see their serving improve. To many service mistakes. Seems like a lot of teams that the Badgers face have at least one really terrific server that just sends it, I don't see that from the Badgers side. Not saying they are terrible servers, they are all consistently average or a bit above, just nothing special. Even if you don't serve aces, you want your serves to put some pressure on the opponent. What was funny last night was that I was saying that to myself in the 3rd set and then Julia went up there and hit 2 aces in a row and was hitting right into a group of Trojan players that seemed to all be hand tied as to who's ball it was. One of the announcers commented "great scouting by the Badger to spot that weakness."

I think this team has steadily improved and yes, Nebraska is still going to be a really big hurdle, but I guess we will see just how far the Badgers have come on the 23rd when they travel to Omaha and take on those Huskers. The Huskers were at home last night against the Gophers and I watched the last few sets, the Gophers took a set from them and actually made the Cornhuskers look beatable.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Gritty win by the Badgers last night against UCLA. Both Liberos out, with Gulce either sick or injured (they didn't say) and Lola getting hit in the head with a ball in warmups. Enter Saige Damrow and Maile Chan, with a little Carly Anderson sprinkled in for good measure.

That first set loss by the Badgers had me thinking that this might be one of those nights that with all the changes, the team would checkout early and chalk up road loss. Damrow and Chan both looked way over their heads and the starters looked tired and out of sync. I even questioned why Kelly didn't move Julia to Libero, a position she played most of last season. I think had this been a tournament game or against a better opponent, he may have. He saw this as a teaching moment and an opportunity to get other players playing time.

Turns out Kelly knew what he was doing and Damrow finally got into her groove. She wasn't outstanding, but the playing time could go a long way for the team, if she is needed down the road. Set aside all the service errors, which I still say is the Badgers Achilles heal and they were able to turn on the jets and coast after a scary start to the match.

Charlie, Franklin and Smrek are absolutely studs and carrying this team. Orzol and Booth have their moments, but I am just so impressed by the top 3. I will say it again, Charlie's game gets better and better with every game, I think she could put up a perfect set from the damn parking lot!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

If you tune in tonight, and you should, there is nothing wrong with your TV's volume.....

Volleyball Announces Silent Set Match | Wisconsin Badgers

MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin volleyball program, in partnership with Chasing Greatness, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Silent Set Match on Wednesday, November

uwbadgers.com

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Entertaining match tonight. The Badgers pulled out the final 2 sets, not playing their best all night. Once again Bucky was down 2 starters and it showed. They really were off all night, with Smrek having a really tough night finding the court with her shots and not blocking well either.

I can hardly wait to get Lola and Gulce back. Saige played better tonight, made a lot of nice digs, but Shumacher is a better overall libero.

Was nice to see Devin Robinson play better, she kept them in the 4th set. I'd give her the game ball.

Franklin was Franklin, consistent and steady as a rock.

Serving errors continue to plague the Badgers.

They are going to have to play much better Saturday night in Lincoln or the Huskers will blow them off the court.

 

[Voyageur]

The ladies didn't have what it takes to stop Nebraska from rolling over them. You could see that the Badgers depth due to injuries just isn't there. It's getting difficult finding depth players, because there's so many programs looking to what someone like the Badgers call depth, would be a starter elsewhere.

This isn't going to be a year where the Badgers make a run at the NCAA championship. Adding to the problems is that we're losing so many quality players before the start of next season, and those waiting in the wings aren't at the level we need to compete in this conference. I'm hoping the Badgers find some quality players in new recruits, and through the transfer portal.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

About an hour before kickoff last night I had to make a tough decision. Watch the Packer game live and the recording of the Badger Volleyball game after or vice versa. Sadly, the Networks made my decision for me. The Badger Volleyball game, you know, a top team in the NCAA Tournament, was only offered on ESPN+, which I dont have. Meanwhile, I could be treated to replays of various football games or mind numbing Pro Basketballs games on the numerous sports channels that I pay for on YouTubeTV.

Enough venting, since the same thing applies for tonight's match against Georgia Tech. I did listen to some of the Match on Radio, turns out that the Badgers didn't really need me last night. They dominated a pretty decent Fairfield Team. Gulce is back playing, so that was good to hear. With both her and Shumacher returning, the Badgers are at full strength. Smrek had a solid night, as did Orzol.

Hoping Bucky keeps it rolling tonight against a Yellow Jacket Team that played twice as long yesterday, during their 5 setter against Tennessee.

Let's also hope that Womens NCAA Volleyball gets the respect it deserves and the Sweet 16 games will actually be televised on something other than ESPN+

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

If anyone wants to watch last nights Match, here it is.

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[Pokerbrat2000]

Just finished watching. Granted, Fairfield isn't Nebraska, but the Badgers looked good last night. I am in awe of Charlie's game. She can set from just about anywhere on the court, and she is pinpoint accurate with those sets as well.

Please don't ever transfer Charlie!

 

[Voyageur]

About an hour before kickoff last night I had to make a tough decision. Watch the Packer game live and the recording of the Badger Volleyball game after or vice versa. Sadly, the Networks made my decision for me. The Badger Volleyball game, you know, a top team in the NCAA Tournament, was only offered on ESPN+, which I dont have. Meanwhile, I could be treated to replays of various football games or mind numbing Pro Basketballs games on the numerous sports channels that I pay for on YouTubeTV.

Enough venting, since the same thing applies for tonight's match against Georgia Tech. I did listen to some of the Match on Radio, turns out that the Badgers didn't really need me last night. They dominated a pretty decent Fairfield Team. Gulce is back playing, so that was good to hear. With both her and Shumacher returning, the Badgers are at full strength. Smrek had a solid night, as did Orzol.

Hoping Bucky keeps it rolling tonight against a Yellow Jacket Team that played twice as long yesterday, during their 5 setter against Tennessee.

Let's also hope that Womens NCAA Volleyball gets the respect it deserves and the Sweet 16 games will actually be televised on something other than ESPN+

I lost my ESPN+ a week ago, so I couldn't watch the game either. Tonight's game is also on ESPN+. Money, money, money. Games on BTN, BTN+, ESPN, ESPN+, Peacock, etc, etc. Then the hockey programs on different nets. We can no longer buy a service and watch our teams. They want us to buy hundreds of dollars per month worth of services (plural of course), so we can get to watch them from home. And they wonder why people use pirate set ups on the internet to watch games? They've forced people into it by gouging.

The Big 10 is the worst of all of them. Pure greed. As much as I like watching the volleyball team play, I might quit watching because of this, because I won't spend the extra money to get BTN+, Peacock, and ESPN+, to watch. It's insanely expensive.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Badgers keep dancing to the Sweet16!!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I listened to it on radio. Kind of enjoyed the old school vibe. Not to mention got a lot done while I listened.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Yikes, what a Match last night against Texas A&M, I couldn't sit down and just about every nerve in my body was frayed by the time it was over and the Badgers squeaked out the W.

I couldn't figure out if the team was out of sync with their setting and blocking or A&M just had their number. Logan Lednicky was just awesome for the Aggies last night, reminded me of Maddie Skinner for the other Texas team.

It is going to be a real tough match tomorrow for the Badgers. Nebraska won both matches against the Badgers this year and will once again be playing them on their home Court. Glad that the Packers play at night, I can watch both games live.

In some great news for the Badgers, OSU Outside Hitter Grace Potter came over to the Badgers from the Transfer portal. She has 3 years of eligibility remaining. Going to be really tough replacing Franklin, Orsol, Smreck, Robingson and Crawford. I just hope they get by Nebraska tomorrow and make the final 4.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I have to hand it to the NCAA Volleyball Selection committee. I believe that this is the 2nd straight year that 7 of the 8 teams in the Elite 8, were seated as #1 or #2 in their brackets. Just like last year, only 1 #2 got "upset" and "replace" in the final 8 by a #3. Last year that was #2 Kentucky and this year it was #2 SMU that got knocked out.

If the Badgers can get by Nebraska tomorrow, they travel to Louisville for the Final 4. They would face the winner of Penn State VS Creighton. The other 2 matchups have Pitt VS Kentucky and Louisville VS Stanford.

I really hope the Badgers can knock out Nebraska tomorrow. I would also love to see Louisville get knocked out tonight, otherwise they we be playing in the final 4, on their home court.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Not sure if anyone else watched it last night, but what a match between Nebraska and Penn State! I was pulling for PSU, since if I had to "hate" a VB program it would be Nebraska. Nothing wrong with the program, players, coaches or fans, but sweet revenge for my Badgers if they got knocked out.

I got my wish. Nebraska came out and looked like they would just sweep PSU, winning the first 2 sets. PSU came storming back, and were facing match point on 2 occasions in the 4th set, but clawed their way to a 4th set W and eventually a "Reverse Sweep" to win the Match. Nebraska appeared to have the upper hand at the end of the fourth set, leading 22-16. But Penn State scored 12 of the last 16 points to win.

The finals should be good. Louisville knocked off #1 Pitt earlier in the night, even after Anna DeBeer went down in the 4th set with a high ankle sprain. I thought the Cardinals were done, Anna is such a great player. They rallied after losing the first set and won the next 3, to pull off an upset on their home court.

Once again, I am glad the Packers have a night game on Sunday. I can watch the Volleyball finals live at 2:00 (CST Time). Should be a great match.

 

[Half Empty]

I guess Monday night is really, really late on Sunday.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I guess Monday night is really, really late on Sunday.

LOL.....forgot.....Pack plays on MONDAY night! Glad you said something, I would have drove all the way up to Green Bay Sunday and wondered why traffic was so damn light!

 

[Voyageur]

Wow! Talk about a solid pick up from incoming freshman for '25. Aniya Warren, the best libero coming out of HS this year. From what I gather, she called Sheffield, not the opposite way around. She'd originally signed with Indiana, and then Purdue. Things look better every day. I think the portal and kids out of HS are still going to be coming the Badger way before this is through.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Wow! Talk about a solid pick up from incoming freshman for '25. Aniya Warren, the best libero coming out of HS this year. From what I gather, she called Sheffield, not the opposite way around. She'd originally signed with Indiana, and then Purdue. Things look better every day. I think the portal and kids out of HS are still going to be coming the Badger way before this is through.

Agree. Badger Volleyball and Women's Hockey will probably see what the Football Programs at OSU, Alabama, Georgia etc. see. Top players wanting to play at a top school in their field.

I guess with the Transfer Portal, there is bad and good. Which one depends on which side of the fence you happen to be sitting on.

Bottom line for me, between the TP and NIL Money, the rich will get richer and the poor, poorer. This will be reflected through a much bigger disparity in playing levels between the top teams and the rest.