LOVB Madison entered play on Saturday, March 8 having won consecutive games and riding a streak of winning their last six sets. They ended up dropping the first set against Houston 19-25, but extended their match winning streak to three by winning the next three sets by scores of 28-26, 28-26, and 25-16.
LOVB Madison defeated Houston in four sets to win their third consecutive match
To begin the game, coach Matt Fuerbringer deployed Jennifer Janiska and Claire Chaussee as the two outside hitters, a combination that had been working during their winning streak. The only starting lineup change that was different from the last two games was Taylor Sandbothe starting as a middle attacker instead of Ana Beatriz Correa.
After Madison lost the first set, Sarah Franklin entered in the second. She did not see the court during Madison’s previous game when they swept Austin. Former Wisconsin Badger alumni Temi Thomas-Ailara also was used in this game for the first time in quite a while.
In order to defeat Houston, Madison got contributions from everyone. Annie Drews Schumacher once again led the team in kills with 18, but Claire Chaussee chipped in 14, Sarah Franklin 10, Anna Hall eight, and setter Lauren Carlini had five. At the net, Madison’s middles were dominant as Hall finished with five blocks and Sandbothe three.
Adjustment that LOVB Madison has made
After a poor start to the season, Madison has turned things around. Adjustments that they have made include setting their outside hitters closer to the middle of the court. This has specifically benefited Franklin as her signature cross court shot has become more lethal. It also has given Chausse more options aside from powering the volleyball through players as she has been pushing the ball a lot more and finding holes in the defense.
Another big change came from a health standpoint. Schumacher has been the teams driving force offensively over the last three games and she missed the earlier part of the season due to injury. When Madison needs a point, she is typically who they turn to.
LOVB Madison is now 4-7 on the season. Even though they are last in the standings, they are the hottest team in the league right now. Their next time on the court will be Thursday March 13 when they face Omaha at home.
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