Minnesota, Wisconsin tied 1-1 at intermission

After struggling to win the key points in the first set, allowing Wisconsin to hang around and eventually win 25-23, the Gophers made sure there was no need for key points in a 25-10 second-set route.

Brook Dieter and Kelly Schmidt stepped up offensively in the second set, leading Minnesota to a .290- (-).094 advantage in hit efficiency in the set.

Dieter overcame a tough first set to collect 4 kills on 13 swings, and Schmidt added 4 kills and a pair of blocks for the Gophers.

Before we get to the match analysis, I have to mention the men's gymnastics team's "halftime" show, where the gymnasts showed off some of their in-air skills to the crowd.

So Krista, before we get to the game, what did you think about tonight's display?

Chin:In past years, I was always jealous of all the fans during the intermission, as they
got to see our outstanding Men's Gymnastics team perform so crazy stunts. It
was fun to finally get a chance to see them for myself. They were energetic
and enthusiastic and getting the crowd into their performance. I'm looking
forward to seeing them perform during their upcoming season.

Daily: What was the biggest difference between the first and second set?
(Besides the score)

Chin: Minnesota came out with a chip on their shoulder during the second
set. As the girls walked from one side of the court to the other, it was
obvious they were upset with the way they played. Throughout the second set,
the Gophers served much tougher, resulting in three aces for Minnesota. They
started picking on the Badgers' two left side hitters, Caity DuPont and
Brittney Dolgner, forcing them to stay disciplined and pass first before
releasing to hit. This strategy seemed to work well as those two hitters
started to become frazzled in the second set. Also, the Badgers' were not as
crafty with their attacks, allowing the Gophers to increase their total team
blocks to six. The defense by Rachel Hartmann and Christine Tan in the
second set was critical. They were fighting hard to keep the ball alive,
especially during the longer rallies when it is easier to get fatigued.

Daily: Key to success in the second half?
C
hin: The key to success in the second half definitely will come down to
discipline and composure. Both teams have exposed each others' weaknesses,
so it's time for someone to step up and help lead their team to the top.
Look to Brook Dieter to step up during the second half. She was given a
number of opportunities in the first half to put the ball away, but the
Badgers were reading her well and blocking her virtually every time she
attacked. Dieter is a competitive player, and she will find a way to put the
ball away for her team. Kyla Roehrig needs to come out strong for the
Gophers. The left-side duo of Dieter and Roehrig is deadly, and if they both
are on fire, they are hard to stop. For the Badgers, the key is to continue
serving tough and getting the Gophers out of rhythm. It will be important
for them to stop Lauren Gibbemeyer on the slide attack as that is her
specialty and what has worked for her so much this season.