Wisconsin Sweeps Another Conference Opponent

No. 8 Wisconsin swept Ohio State 30-17, 30-27 and 30-21

Oct. 20, 2007

From Wisconsin Athletics

The eighth-ranked Wisconsin volleyball team (17-1 overall, 9-0 Big Ten) swept Ohio State (8-10, 2-7) 30-17, 30-27 and 30-21 in front of 6,842 fans Friday night at the UW Field House. The Badgers remain unbeaten in Big Ten Conference play, sharing the league lead with Penn State, which edged Illinois, 3-2, in Champaign, Ill.

"It was a good match for us," said Coach Pete Waite. "I think the team looked like they were sharp on offense and defense and in every category. I think statistically the girls are just very focused right now. Now we can start focusing on Sunday's match because we were clearly very focused on tonight's match."

This match carried a historical value, as senior libero Jocelyn Wack became Wisconsin's new career leader in digs. Off an attack attempt by OSU's Katie Dull in the first game, Wack tied Susan Wohlford's career dig record at 1,920. Wack became UW's new all-time career leader in digs after she dug a Danielle Meyer hit at 12-6 in game one. She extended her career record to 1,935 with 14 more digs in the match.

"First of all, it is awesome to be a part of this program and second of all, I love the program in its self," said Wack. "I've had some great coaches and great players who have taught me a lot along the way and it was definitely even better (setting the record) at home. Everyone was really hoping I wouldn't get it last week against Iowa, so it turned out really well."

Waite agreed with his record setter. "It was fantastic that Jo got her digs record. She has just proven to be a great defensive player and a big part of our team and our success for the last four years so we'll congratulate her on that."

Sophomore Brittney Dolgner led all hitters with 17 kills in the match, and also recorded six digs for UW. Katherine Dykstra tallied 11 kills of her own and Audra Jeffers contributed 10 kills in the three-game sweep. Wisconsin totaled 50 team kills and hit .228 as a team.

The UW defense held the Buckeyes to a team .098 hitting percentage on the night. Ohio State's leading hitter, Katie Dull, put down 10 kills but only had a .094 hitting percentage.

Wisconsin returned to service domination as the Badgers scored six service aces on the Buckeyes, including two by Megan Mills. Ohio State could only muster two service aces against UW.

Senior setter Jackie Simpson recorded 45 assists as she ran Wisconsin's offense attack.

Game one featured four ties within the first 10 points of the game before Wisconsin started to build its lead. The Badgers held the Buckeyes to a team .057 hitting percentage while Wisconsin hit .316 in the first game. Dolgner put down six kills to lead UW. With a block from freshman Allison Wack and Jeffers, Wisconsin won the first game.

Dolgner again led the Badgers in game two with her eight kills. The score remained within a three-point margin for most of the game until UW broke away by capitalizing on Ohio State offensive mistakes. Dolgner sealed the deal with her game-winning kill.

The score in game three remained close once more until the Badgers went on a seven-point run thanks to well-placed hits and strong blocks from Reineke, Simpson, Jeffers and Dykstra. Jocelyn Wack completed the three game sweep with a service ace to allow Wisconsin to remain undefeated in conference play.

Wisconsin returns to action against second-ranked Penn State Sunday at 1 p.m. in the UW Field House. The match pits the two unbeaten Big Ten teams against each other for the conference lead.

"I think if we work hard and keep at it we will be able to pull it out against Penn State," said Waite.

Fans are encouraged to get to Sunday's game early, as a very large crowd is expected.