The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women's club volleyball team ended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Conference Tournament on Saturday, March 2, with a loss to Stevens Point, Wisconsin in the Gold Bracket semifinals. This was their fifth loss of the season.
The Pointers defeated the Warhawks 25-18 in the first set, and the Warhawks came back to win the second set 25-24. The Warhawks lost the third set 15-9.
This was in stark contrast to their previous match against the Pointers in early February, when the Warhawks won the first set 25-21 and the second 25-15.
While the result was clearly disappointing for spectators and players alike, no one could deny that the Warhawks gave it their all and got a good result against the Pointers. Warhawks setter Emma Dierenger echoed those sentiments.
“I'm proud of the team. We worked hard and gave our best. I'm really glad we kept moving forward,” Dierenger said.
The impact of communication and teamwork on the Warhawks' performance was crucial to the game.
“We practice two or three times a week and have tournaments every week. We understand how hitters work, how people pass and what suits people are good at. I think today we maximized people's potential and allowed people to just do their best,'' Dierenger said.
She goes on to say that using your voice is a vital part of performing as a team, and that as soon as members start talking and cheering each other on, “that really helps you get momentum back and ultimately We were able to win a match that I never expected.” we were going to do that. ”
This position was also prevalent on other teams, including the Pointers. Pointers players Ali Buchta and Darny Romanowicz both expressed positive views and overall confidence in the team.
Romanovich said he tends to be nervous about his performance before tournaments, but added, “I have a lot of faith in my team, so I went into pool play pretty confident.”
“I think we're a pretty positive team. We don't go into anything thinking the worst. We always try to start fired up,” Buchta said.
They added that being close as a team on and off the court helps their overall performance. According to Buchta, “We are all like one big happy family.”
Perhaps this camaraderie and connection comes at a very important point, considering the state championships are coming up. When asked what he hopes to get out of the conference other than a win, Romanovich said, “Hopefully we'll be ready for the state championships and the national championships. This is the last tournament before the state championships.” Told.
With the state tournament arriving on April 5th and the national tournament taking place in late April, it's no surprise that everyone is thinking about their upcoming performance and what they can do to improve as a team. is. The championship will be held at the Milwaukee Sting Center.
