The Wisconsin volleyball team was itching for some action. With just nine players on the roster this semester, scrimmaging in practice was a luxury they couldn't afford. This scarcity of numbers meant that honing their skills became a rare commodity, making opportunities like the Badgers' scrimmage against Illinois-Chicago on Friday night all the more valuable. Hosting the Flames in their first scrimmage of the spring, Wisconsin delivered a stellar performance, sweeping the match in front of a roaring crowd of 6,622 at the UW Field House.
Led by a double-double from Devyn Robinson and 27 assists from Carly Anderson, the Badgers dominated with a 25-18, 25-17, 25-13 victory. Robinson, accustomed to playing as a specialist, was able to showcase her all-around skills due to the team's short bench, finishing with 10 kills, 11 digs, and a team-high seven blocks. Her performance was a standout, as she hadn't played all-around since her high school days, bringing a level of excitement and connection to the game.
Anderson, a graduate transfer from Montana, made a stellar debut, notching 27 assists, four digs, and four kills. Her presence on the court added a new dynamic to the team's offense, keeping the Flames' defense on their toes. The balanced offense, orchestrated by Anderson, saw outside hitter Sarah Franklin leading the team with 26 attacks, while Robinson, Anna Smrek, Julia Orzol, and Carter Booth all contributed with double-digit attempts.
Coach Sheffield praised Anderson's confidence and stability, highlighting her fearlessness in making plays and her eagerness to learn. Anderson's impact extended beyond her performance, uplifting the entire team and contributing to their success on the court.
One of the key aspects of Wisconsin's game was their aggressive serving, which led to a total of 10 aces. However, this aggressiveness also resulted in 20 service errors, showcasing the team's commitment to pushing the boundaries and taking risks. Despite the errors, the team remained focused on their goal of serving with confidence and freedom, a mindset that Sheffield emphasized as crucial to their success.
Overall, the scrimmage provided the Badgers with a much-needed opportunity to test their skills in a competitive setting, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
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