Volleyball Gameday blog vs. Winthrop

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Please join Diane Nordstrom of the Wisconsin Athletic Communications office as she chronicles all of the action from this morning's match vs. Winthrop. The match opens the William & Mary Tribe Invitational.

Fans can watch the live video stream or follow the live stats at TribeAthletics.com.

Don't forget that the blog is interactive so be sure to send in your comments and questions or vote in the polls.

 Volleyball vs. Winthrop(08/27/2010) 
8:32
Welcome to Kaplan Arena in William & Mary Hall on the campus of William & Mary University in Williamsburg, Va. Wisconsin takes on Winthrop in the opening match of the Tribe Invitational at 9 a.m. CT.
Friday August 27, 2010 8:32 
8:33
The Badgers left Madison on Thursday and had to bus to Milwaukee for their flight to Atlanta then Newport News, Va. It was a long day but the team had fun the entire trip, starting with a game on the back of the bus.
Friday August 27, 2010 8:33 
8:33
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Friday August 27, 2010 8:33 
8:35
The team arrived at the hotel late last night and immediately crashed. Wisconsin plays Winthrop this morning so its a good thing the team has been practicing in the mornings.
Friday August 27, 2010 8:35 
8:36
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Friday August 27, 2010 8:36 
8:37
Have to say we have the sweetest bus ever on this trip. Its a cross between a bus and RV with leather seats, a kitchenette and satellite TV. Can't wait for that trip to D.C. on Saturday.
Friday August 27, 2010 8:37 
8:38
In case you didn't hear, Connecticut had to withdraw from the tournament due to illness so the UW will only play one match tomorrow.
Friday August 27, 2010 8:38 
8:40
Lots of parents made the trip to Virginia - the Wacks, Walchs, Kuzmas and of course, lots of friends and family for Virginia native Kelsey Maloney. She lives nearly three hours away but lots of people are here for her.
Friday August 27, 2010 8:40 
8:42
Here is a look at Winthrop. The Eagles were 19-11 in 2009 and tied for third in the Big South Conference. They are picked to finish third again in 2010 by the coaches in a preseason poll.
Friday August 27, 2010 8:42 
8:42
Winthrop returns five starters and seven letterwinners, including four seniors. Senior Kaley Viola is a preseason all-Big South pick. She averaged 3.14 kills and 2.63 digs per set last season.
Friday August 27, 2010 8:42 
8:43
I'm guessing the Badgers will start several freshman again today if last weekend's intrasquad scrimmage was any indication. Elise Walch, Dominique Thompson and Julie Mikaelsen will start and Annemarie Hickey will play DS.
Friday August 27, 2010 8:43 
8:43
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Friday August 27, 2010 8:43 
8:44
Here are the Badgers at the hotel this morning, getting ready to get on the cool bus to the gym. Hope they're ready!
Friday August 27, 2010 8:44 
8:49
Had to shag balls there for awhile since its early here and not too many helpers. That was good though since the air conditioning is pretty cranked in here. It's pretty humid outside!
Friday August 27, 2010 8:49 
8:59
Game time!
Friday August 27, 2010 8:59 
9:00
National Anthem first.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:00 
9:03
Starting for Winthrop - Kellie Sellers, Kelsey Hall, Brittany Blackman, Kaley Viola, Sara Felts, Becca Toor and the libero is Kelsey Harrison.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:03 
9:03
Starting for the Badgers - Janelle Gabrielsen, Elise Walch, Alexis Mitchell, Allison Wack, Julie Mikaelsen, Dominique Thompson and libero is Kim Kuzma.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:03 
9:05
Winthrop will serve first with Kuzma and Wack passing.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:05 
9:05
Ace for the Eagles.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:05 
9:06
Kill for Julie! Score tied at 1-1.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:06 
9:07
Hitting error by the Eagles and Alexis tips it in for a score. 3-1 Badgers.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:07 
9:08
Long rally ended by a block by the Eagles. Score tied at 3-3.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:08 
9:09
Hitting error by Winthrop and a service error by the Badgers ties the score at 4-4.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:09 
9:09
Another hitting error by the Eagles.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:09 
9:10
Looked like Allison had a good pancake but they called it down. 5-5.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:10 
9:11
Way to tool the block Allison. Badgers up 6-5.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:11 
9:11
Great shot down the line by Winthrop. 6-6.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:11 
9:12
Block solo by Dominique.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:12 
9:12
Another kill by Toor - she has two for the Eagles. 7-7.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:12 
9:13
First attempt and first kill by Elise. 8-7 UW.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:13 
9:13
Four hits called on the Eagles. Badgers up 9-7.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:13 
9:14
Another kill from Julie - she has two as well. Badger sup 10-7.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:14 
9:14
Hitting error and the UW has its biggest lead of the set.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:14 
9:14
Ace by Nellie and Badgers are up 12-7. Winthrop calls a timeout.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:14 
9:16
[Comment From PaulPaul: ] 
Why does the TribeAthletics live stats say 12-6?
Friday August 27, 2010 9:16 Paul
9:16
Because volleyball stats are probably the hardest to do and its easy to get them wrong.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:16 
9:16
Another hitting error by the Eagles. Badgers up 13-7.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:16 
9:17
Nice shoot set to Alexis and she puts it away. Badgers have doubled up the Eagles.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:17 
9:17
A UW hitting error ends a 7-0 run by the Badgers. 14-8 Wisconsin. Make that 15-8 on a kill from Elise.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:17 
9:18
Badgers are really spreading their offense out well. Kill for Alexis.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:18 
9:19
Another log rally and a kill from Julie. I don't think the Badgers would have won that last year.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:19 
9:19
Two straight Winthrop points has Badgers up 17-10.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:19 
9:20
Another kill from Julie - she has four to lead all hitters.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:20 
9:20
[Comment From Betsy GBetsy G: ] 
Go Badgers! Nothing like getting your Friday started with some UW VB!
Friday August 27, 2010 9:20 Betsy G
9:21
Thanks Betsy. How are the Bucks?
Friday August 27, 2010 9:21 
9:21
Dominique gets her first kill and the Badgers are up 19-12.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:21 
9:22
Nice kill from Nellie and Winthrop calls a timeout with Wisconsin up 20-12. The Eagles are struggling with the Badgers offense and the Badgers are getting a lot of free balls.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:22 
9:22
[Comment From Betsy GBetsy G: ] 
Bucks are good...enjoying the last few weeks of the off-season and using my time wisely to support the Badgers in Vegas next week :)
Friday August 27, 2010 9:22 Betsy G
9:23
Good for you! Should be a fun trip and a Badger football win!
Friday August 27, 2010 9:23 
9:23
Winthrop is hitting a negative .069 for the set.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:23 
9:24
Eagles take advantage of an overpass to make it 20-13.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:24 
9:25
Kill in the middle by Toor - she has three kills for Winthrop.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:25 
9:25
High off the hands of the blockers by Allison. Wisconsin up 21-14.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:25 
9:26
Two straight hitting errors by Winthrop makes it 23-14 UW.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:26 
9:26
Elise hammers down that overpass. Set point!
Friday August 27, 2010 9:26 
9:27
Stuff block by Dominique and Janelle gives the UW the first set 25-14.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:27 
9:29
The Badgers hit .268 for the first set (14-3-41) led by Julie at .444. She led all players with four kills. Elise and Alexis both had three kills for the Badgers.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:29 
9:30
Winthrop hit a negative .081 for the set. Kaley Viola also had four kills and Becca Toor added three kills.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:30 
9:31
Badgers flip flop front row and back row to start the second set but same starters.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:31 
9:31
Another stuff block by Nellie and Dom to start the second set.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:31 
9:32
Elise down the line makes it 2-1 Badgers.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:32 
9:32
Nice kill by Alexis on the slide. 3-1 UW.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:32 
9:34
Allison was a little long on the back-row attack. Elise puts Wisconsin up 4-2 between the blockers.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:34 
9:35
A block by Winthrop followed by an Eagle service error puts UW up 5-3 in the second.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:35 
9:35
Alexis and Julie get the block!
Friday August 27, 2010 9:35 
9:35
Off the block and out for a point Winthrop.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:35 
9:37
Another hitting error by the Eagles and Dom gets the kill on the block error. Winthrop calls timeout with Badgers up 8-4.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:37 
9:38
Winthrop converts on the overpass. 8-5.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:38 
9:39
Viola can really get up even though she's only 6-0. She had a kill and a block.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:39 
9:41
[Comment From PaulPaul: ] 
What's up with Elle this year - is she going to be playing today?
Friday August 27, 2010 9:41 Paul
9:41
Another really long rally but the Badgers seem to be winning them! 10-8 Wisconsin.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:41 
9:42
The freshmen have really come in strong and the competition at all positions has been tough! She'll work at it and get some playing time.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:42 
9:43
Badgers are not passing well and giving Winthrop a lot of free balls and easy passes.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:43 
9:44
Winthrop takes it first lead of the set though the Badgers wanted a touch called on the block.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:44 
9:44
Coach Waite is calling for the ball handlers to pick it up.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:44 
9:45
Julie gets a nice tip and a bad set the Eagles put UW up 15-13 in the second set.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:45 
9:47
Another Winthrop kill off the block but Alexis gets a big swing out of the middle as UW goes up 16-15.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:47 
9:47
Block by Allison and Alexis - well really by Al but both get credit!
Friday August 27, 2010 9:47 
9:47
Anne hits the line on her jump serve to put Badgers up 18-15 in the second set. Winthrop calls a timeout.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:47 
9:50
Great set to Julie from Janelle and she hammers it down. 19-16 UW.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:50 
9:51
Stuff block by Julie and Dom. Nice job on the pin by Julie! Badgers up 21-16 in the second set.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:51 
9:51
Eagles get an ace as the ball drops in 21-18 Badgers. Make that 21-19 as Winthrop gets a block. Badgers call timeout.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:51 
9:53
Kill by Julie ends the rally by the Eagles. Wisconsin up 22-19 in the second set.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:53 
9:54
Julie's serve hits the net and drops in. Ace!
Friday August 27, 2010 9:54 
9:55
Another block by the Eagles. 23-21 Wisconsin in the second set.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:55 
9:56
Another kill from Viola - she 8 for the Eagles. Dom gets a kill for set point. 24-22.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:56 
9:57
Elise hammers down the overpass for set point. Badgers lead 2-0 in sets.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:57 
9:58
Only three minutes between sets so we'll get right back to the action.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:58 
9:59
The Badgers have a nice offensive attack going. Dom, Elise and Julie all have seven kills. Alexis had five kills as the UW is hitting .207. Winthrop is led by Viola with 8 kills and Toor with 5 kills. The Eagles are hitting .023.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:59 
9:59
Badgers have seven blocks led by four from Dominique. Kim Kuzma and Annemarie Hickey both have 10 digs.
Friday August 27, 2010 9:59 
10:01
Same starters for both team with Elise, Dom and Nellie in the front row. Alexis, Julie and Allison in the back with Kim coming in for Alexis.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:01 
10:01
Another kill for Elise down the line and the UW is on the scoreboard first.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:01 
10:02
Another Eagle block ties the set at 1-1.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:02 
10:02
Alexis converts on the slide. Badgers lead 2-1.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:02 
10:03
A tight set by Elise had no trouble putting it away. 3-1 Wisconsin in the third set.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:03 
10:03
Elise tips back the overpass again! 4-1 Wisconsin.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:03 
10:04
Kill and ace by the Eagles makes it 4-3 Wisconsin in the third.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:04 
10:05
Julie with the left-hander down the line on the left side - tough shot!
Friday August 27, 2010 10:05 
10:05
Julie's attack rolls down the net but lands in. Dom and Allison get the block as Badgers go up 7-4.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:05 
10:06
Another block by Allison and Dom makes it 8-4 Wisconsin in the third set. Winthrop calls a timeout.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:06 
10:07
Allison with the nice cross court shot. 9-4 Badgers.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:07 
10:07
[Comment From Jon AriasJon Arias: ] 
Did UCONN drop out of the tournament?
Friday August 27, 2010 10:07 Jon Arias
10:08
Yes, the Huskies had to drop out due to an illness on the team. The Badgers will play only one match tomorrow.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:08 
10:09
Dom connects in the middle again. She has 8 kills on 13 attempts with no errors for .615.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:09 
10:11
Great pancake by Kim to save the play and Elise hammers it down the line. She has 11 kills.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:11 
10:11
Another kill by Elise - she has 12 kills.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:11 
10:13
Another kill by Elise and Winthrop calls a timeout with the score 15-8 in the third set.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:13 
10:14
Alexis on the slide puts the Badgers up 16-9. She has 7 kills.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:14 
10:15
Winthrop attacks hits the antenna. The Eagles are struggling but that service error gave them a point. 17-10 Wisconsin in the third.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:15 
10:16
The Eagles hit the overpass out of bounds. They can't seem to do anything right this set - even though the Badgers keep giving them points on service errors!
Friday August 27, 2010 10:16 
10:17
An Eagle ace makes it 19-12 Wisconsin in the third set.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:17 
10:18
Kelsey Maloney checks in for the first time. Playing in her home state for the first time since her senior year of high school
Friday August 27, 2010 10:18 
10:19
The Eagles find a gap in the block for a kill but then Kelsey and Allison get the block, 22-13 in the third.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:19 
10:19
Bailey Reshel checks in for first time for Elise.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:19 
10:20
Kelsey gets the kill on a slide. Match point 24-13.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:20 
10:20
Service error by the Badgers extends the match. STill set point at 24-13.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:20 
10:21
Bailey gets the kill on match point. Wisconsin wins 25-14, 25-22, 25-14 to start the season 1-0.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:21 
10:21
[Comment From PaulPaul: ] 
Good job women! Thanks for the blog updates!
Friday August 27, 2010 10:21 Paul
10:21
Nice way to start the season and great to see the freshmen play so well. I'll have final stats shortly.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:21 
10:22
Freshman Elise Walch led all hitters with 13 kills while Julie Mikaelsen added 10 kills. Dominique Thompson chipped in nine kills while Alexis Mitchell had eight kills. Wisconsin hit .285 as a team.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:22 
10:23
The Badgers had 10 team blocks, led by Dominique with six blocks. Allison Wack added four blocks. Kim Kuzma had 17 digs while Annemarie Hickey added 14 digs and Janelle Gabrielsen chipped in 11 digs. Gabrielsen also had 39 assists.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:23 
10:24
[Comment From StephSteph: ] 
Thank you!! This is a great way to start the season!!!
Friday August 27, 2010 10:24 Steph
10:25
The Badgers struggled a bit at the service line this morning, recording eight service errors and three aces. The Eagles had five aces and only one service error.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:25 
10:26
Again the final from the first match of the William & Mary Tribe Invitational, the Badgers sweep Winthrop 25-14, 25-22, 25-14 to open the season 1-0.
Friday August 27, 2010 10:26 
10:27
Thanks for everyone who participated and make sure to check back tonight as Wisconsin continues tournament play against host William & Mary. Match time is 6 p.m. CT.

Go Badgers!
Friday August 27, 2010 10:27 
10:27