Everyone was circling this match before the season even started, and then each program, Wisconsin and Penn State, did what was expected and cruised through the Big Ten schedule. They each only had a few hiccups along the way. Wisconsin couldn't close out Washington, and Penn State couldn't close out UCLA, but both programs are among the top in the nation and in the Big Ten. So, when Wisconsin and Penn State went to five sets, no one should be surprised.
Penn State ultimately won, and at times it was hard to watch, but ultimately it was an incredible volleyball match.
Penn State was the better and more balanced team the whole way through, but Wisconsin has more firepower. If Sheffield can get that firepower clicking, then this Badger team can go back to a Final Four; if not, then it may be a frustrating early exit and a figuring-things-out in the offseason.
1. Wisconsin continues to lull in set 2 if they win set 1
The most frustrating thing happening in Wisconsin volleyball, basically match to match, is how dug in the Badgers get in the second sets. The Badgers will often find a good set one win, and then absolutely play on their heels in set two. Hats off to Penn State for putting pressure on, but most of Wisconsin's issues in this set were self-inflicted.
The hitting wasn't there, the defense struggled, and it simply was a runaway train for Penn State. Not ideal for the Badgers.
2. The serve receive has to get better for the Badgers
Penn State had a lot of service errors to help get the Badgers points, but it was by design. Penn State was trying to attack Wisconsin's serve-receive, and it worked more often than not. The Nittany Lions' errors were offset by the serves that put a ton of pressure on the Badgers.
It seemed as if most receptions were not received cleanly, and the Badgers were often behind the 8-ball and giving Penn State a ton of free balls. That's not ideal, and if Wisconsin plays Penn State again in the Big Ten Tournament, they have to find a way to be better at serve-receive.
3. Kennedy Martin is incredible and found ways to beat UW's defense
Martin was absolutely insane. She gets a ton of attention for her ability to get kills, and she did that in bunches for the Nittany Lions. She ended with 28 kills and was finding ways over, through, and around blockers all day. The Badgers had a plan for her, but it didn't matter.
However, what was really impressive about Martin was her ability to serve. She was deadly behind the service line. She had a run of three aces in a row at one point before Kelly Sheffield had to call a timeout. Even when they were able to receive her serves, it often led to free balls. Martin is elite, and she will be a problem for every single team that faces Penn State.
4. Wisconsin will have a soft landing into the Big Ten Tournament
The Badgers have three games left against Rutgers, Ohio State, and Northwestern. That's a pretty soft landing into the Big Ten Tournament. It will give them the time needed to get ready for what the Big Ten Tournament will offer. It clearly is going to be a year where Wisconsin has to fight for every point and every match.
They need to reset after this frustrating home loss by Penn State, but get three games to figure it out.
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