Wisconsin volleyball has arrived, and the Badgers will be taking a formidable opponent to kick off the season...the Badgers. The alumni Badgers in the alumni game, and it's a roster that looks more like an all-star cast than a random assortment of former players. Head coach Kelly Sheffield has brought in a ton of talent to take on his young team. The day before the event, he posted some final details that fans will want to know. You can read all those below.
Wisconsin volleyball alumni game details from Kelly Sheffield:
Game time is 6 pm at the UW Field House, and it will not be televised; the only way to watch the game will be live and in person. Sheffield said, "We tried, unsuccessfully, to get the match televised. After receiving the news, the decision was made to not stream the match. We were good with it being shown to a big audience, but had no interest in putting it out to a small audience that really mainly helps our upcoming opponents."
Which isn't great news for any volleyball fans out of the state or the Madison area, especially with basically a sold-out arena.
Sheffield said that they will only play four sets no matter the score of any of the sets.
Injury updates:
- Grace Lopez will return to "her first match in 17 months." According to Sheffield, she will only play the back row.
- Halle Thomson will also only play the back row in an effort to "keep her healthy."
- Jaela will not play with the same designation, to "keep her healthy."
- Morgan Van Wie will be unavailable (no reason given).
Alumni Roster:
Alicia Andrew
Carter Booth
Lauren Carlini
Tiffany Clark
Caroline Crawford
Sarah Franklin
Sydney Hilley
Grace Loberg
Temi Thomas-Aliara
Alumni Coaches:
Annemarie Hickey
Dana Rettke
Anna Smrek
It will be an exciting opportunity for fans to check out this new-look Wisconsin Badger team and some young freshmen looking for their first collegiate opportunities. The fans will also get to take part in autograph signings at the Alumni Match and other fan-related activities.
While the game is not official and it functions like a fan fest, more than anything, with Sheffield being a self-proclaimed "competition" junkie, you can bet it will be high-flying and full of action. Fans will get their money's worth and will only be able to see this live and in person.
The practice ahead of the alumni game had Sheffield amped; he posted on social media that the practice was incredible. "That was one of the most epic practices that I’ve been a part of. Andrew, Booth, Carlini, Clark, Colyer, Hilley, Loberg, and Thomas-Ailara were all in the gym. We mixed teams up and let them go at it. First play of the day was Kymora Scott stuffing Temi straight down, followed by a stare-down and grin. Very competitive gym! Everyone is fired up for tomorrow!!"
Be ready for a showdown tomorrow with a lot of fun, and the freshmen and younger players looking to show off for some of the Badger legends opposite them on the net.
Add us as a preferred source on Google