Volleyball names team captains
July 15, 2011 | Volleyball
July 15, 2011
MADISON, Wis. – Seniors Janelle Gabrielsen and Elle Ohlander will serve as co-captains of the Wisconsin volleyball team for the 2011 season, Coach Pete Waite announced Friday.
“As we look to our upcoming season, we decided that Nellie and Elle will be our co-captains,” said Waite. “Both our staff and players felt that these two bring the experience and personal abilities that we want to see in this leadership role.
“Even as freshmen, we noticed something special about their spirit and enthusiasm for volleyball and life. Over the years, they’ve matured to the point where they not only can lead the group well, but they really have a desire to lead. We’re looking forward to seeing how they blend the experienced returners with the talented newcomers during preseason practices.”
Gabrielsen, a 6-1 setter, has been a three-year starter for the Badgers. She ranks seventh on the UW career record list with 2,761 assists and seventh in assists per set with 8.32. Gabrielsen has earned two all-tournament honors in her career and was a member of the 2008 Big Ten Conference All-Freshman team.
As a junior, Gabrielsen ranked seventh in the Big Ten with 10.35 assists per set. She put up a career-high 63 assists at Iowa on Oct. 22. The Menomonee Falls, Wis., native also ranked second on the team with 3.06 digs per set, tallying double-figure digs in 19 matches.
A 6-6 middle blocker, Ohlander was also a member of the 2008 Big Ten All-Freshman team and has earned one all-tournament honor in her career. She has played in 75 matches in her career, starting 61. As a junior, Ohlander played in 17 matches, starting 11. The Caledonia, Ill., native averaged 1.30 kills and 0.46 blocks per set last season.
The Badgers report for fall training camp on Aug. 9 and begin practice on Aug. 10. Wisconsin hosts its annual Cardinal vs. White scrimmage on Aug. 20 and opens its season on Aug. 26-27 at the Duke Invitational.
