Wisconsin's Path to Victory: Head Coach Kelly Sheffield Discusses Upcoming Matches
Wisconsin libero Saige Damrow serves during a volleyball match against Marquette on Sept. 20, 2023, at Fiserv Forum. Official attendance was 17,037, making it the largest indoor regular-season crowd for a volleyball match in NCAA history.
© Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Streak Continues: Wisconsin's 17-Game Winning Run
Wisconsin Volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable, racking up an astonishing 17 wins in a row. Head Coach Kelly Sheffield addressed the media at a conference on Monday, setting the tone for a couple of big games that lie ahead for the team. The Badgers will be going up against Ohio State on Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT. They've already bested Ohio State 3-0 earlier this season. But what we're looking forward to most is the Saturday showdown with #2 Nebraska, a team they conquered twice last year.
Preparing for Ohio State
When asked about their earlier encounter with Ohio State, Sheffield said, "These guys haven't taken opponents for granted, and I think that's why they've been successful in the past years ... every match has been important. Last time we played Ohio State, I thought ... we didn't play very well, we didn't play very clean at their place, and so I'm sure as we get into the film and be able to remember how that match went ... it'll be important for our players to play a little bit cleaner."
This focus on 'clean play' is something that the Badgers are determined to fix in their next faceoff. Sheffield elaborated- "I didn't think we were very dynamic in that match. And typically when that happens, that's probably a coach's fault with training leading up to it. That certainly could be the case. I thought we were just a little sloppy on our end".
Wisconsin middle blocker Devyn Robinson (10) hits a shot during their volleyball match against Marquette Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. Official attendance was 17,037 making it the largest indoor regular-season crowd for a volleyball match in NCAA history and the largest crowd to see a women s sporting event in Wisconsin history.
© Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Anticipating the Showdown with Nebraska
With two victories against Nebraska already in the bag for 2022, one might think the Badgers have an easy ride. But Sheffield is quick to dismiss such notions. "Nebraska will get here soon enough. I'm sure that'll be ... a much-anticipated match. I'm sure for a lot of people that follow it'll probably be one of the higher watched matches."
"It's number one versus number two in the same conference. You don't have a lot of opportunities like that." He continued about Nebraska. "It's two incredible fan bases that have played in front of big crowds this year. Both teams have been playing really well."
Final Thoughts
This season for Wisconsin Volleyball has been nothing short of spectacular, and much of it has been a testament to the team's resilience, discipline, and coaching. As they prepare to take on Ohio State and then Nebraska, these are not just games but defining moments in what is already shaping up to be an unforgettable season.
Watch the entire media conference below:
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