The UW volleyball team swept South Dakota Coyotes on Saturday 25-19, 25-17 and 25-10 in the second round of the Inntowner Invitational. The Badgers improved to 1-1 on the season.

Head coach Pete Waite tried out a new starting lineup, which proved to be successful and improved his confidence in his team

'They are all really great and they work hard,' Waite said. 'We have a young team, but we are really seeing who is going to step up when they are in the game and this is what these pre-conference matches are about - finding out who is going to secure the spot. But I think that whoever secures the spots, the other people are ready to go.'

In a match that featured two new starters, the Badgers convincingly out-played the Coyotes (0-3) both offensively and defensively. UW out-performed South Dakota in kills (47-21), hitting percentage (.271-.019) and assists (43-20). Brittney Dolgner and Kirby Toon were both in double figures for kills with 11 and 10, respectively. Janelle Gabrielson also successfully directed the offense by contributing 29 assists.

Waite said he was impressed by the play of Kelsey Maloney, a redshirt last season, who had eight kills and only one error, leading all players with a .583 hitting percentage.

'She had a knack for getting her hands on the ball and getting places and working hard,' Waite said. 'She put in her time last year red shirting and she has come light years from where she was when she came in because of some previous injuries and illnesses so it was really fun to watch her play, not just blocking wise, but offensively she had a great night.'

Led by Kim Kuzma, the Badgers defense also proved superior as they out-dug the Coyotes 53-23. Kuzma tallied a match-high 17 digs. Allison Wack contributed 12 digs to the UW defense.

The Badgers got out to an early 5-1 lead on the Coyotes in the first set and never looked back. Although the Coyotes kept the set competitive, the Badgers coasted to a 25-19 victory in front of 3.630 fans in the UW Field House.

With three straight hitting errors to start off the second set, the Badgers quickly found themselves trailing the Coyotes 0-4. UW then went on a 13-3 run to take a 13-7 lead. The Badgers maintained that lead as they went on to win the set 25-17.

UW jumped out to an early 8-1 lead as it dominated the third set. The Badgers went on to win the match convincingly 25-10.

Waite said that his team continues to improve every day.

'This is a group that works and trains together and practices really well, ' Wait said. 'Because the competition is there, they are working very hard so that is going to help them all improve. '

Dolgner, a senior, said that this season is enjoyable for her because she can be a leader to her younger teammates.

'It's really cool that we have the opportunity to teach them everything that we have learned from Coach Pete and all of the other coaches,' Dolgner said. 'Especially being out there with all of the fans and seeing the young players' first time in the Field House and letting them experience the atmosphere. '

The Badgers wrap up the Inntowner Invitational Sunday at 1 p.m. when they look to take down unbeaten Ohio (2-0).