The Badgers had no problem with the UCLA Bruins in a match that many thought would be a lot closer. Wisconsin needed a win like this to build some momentum for the remaining Big Ten schedule and the upcoming Big Ten Tournament in just a little over two weeks. Here are some thoughts from the match and why a major lineup change may have ignited some defense in this team.
1. Jaela Auguste was replaced in the lineup by Natalie Wardlow
The big news for this match was that middle blocker Natalie Wardlow was in the starting lineup over Jaela Auguste. At first, it was believed that maybe there were some lingering injury issues keeping Auguste down, but the Big Ten broadcast crew continued to say it was a "coach's decision" to swap Wardlow and Auguste.
If that ends up being true, it worked in a marvelous way for UCLA. The lack of defense and blocking that seems not to always be there for Wisconsin was set up nicely for the Badgers again and again. She ended up with six blocks, alongside Lynney Tarnow's six; Decelise Champion had eight, and even Eva Travis jumped in with four.
Whether Wardlow is the impetus or not, that lineup change seemed to spark something in this defense. UCLA had a terrible time getting hits through, ending with a .118 hitting percentage.
2. There was no set 2 lull even though they flirted with the idea
The Badgers have struggled mightily with taking their foot off the gas after big sets. They may win the first, and the second is a mess. Or sometimes it falls to set three, but it happens way too often. The Badgers lose the killer instinct and take a nap in the middle sets.
Today, they flirted with it against UCLA in set two, letting the Bruins go on an early run, and fans were probably already shaking their heads like, "Oh boy, here we go." But then something shook them out of their stupor, and they began to go on their own runs. Eventually, they won set two 25-17. Which you could call dramatically.
Set three also had great success in finishing the match. Once again, a 25-17 victory, absolutely shutting down anything that the Bruins were trying to do offensively.
3. Eva Travis had her best match of the season
Eva Travis was a high-profile transfer who has yet to really get going this season. Many have wondered if she just jumped to too high a level and can't handle the heat. However, today she had a fantastic day. She had 11 kills on a blistering .647 hitting percentage with four blocks and six digs. She looked every bit the veteran presence out there. She was playing with some savvy attacks and some hustle defense.
Kelly Sheffield has to love what he saw from his outside hitter today. She was impressive, and hopefully that sort of level of play continues for her as the season heads toward tournament time.
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