The early non-conference season continues to bring a mixed bag for Northwestern (2-3). At one moment, it seems to thrive and have its way, and at others, it seems lost.
That's exactly what the 'Cats trip to Starkville looked like last week, handing Alabama (3-1) its first loss of the season before being dispatched by Mississippi State (4-1). These contests showed both sides of the coin when it comes to Wildcat volleyball.
Let's not waste time. Here are your three major takeaways from the weekend.
It's Lauren Dignan's time. She donned the libero jersey in both contests this week. That's not to say Drew Wright or Gigi Navarette will be tossed aside, but its clear that Tim Nollan believes in who he's recruited as the future of that position. 2025 was her year to learn the machine, 2026 is her year to take the wheel.
The Mara Štiglic-Bella Bullington partnership is starting to settle into place. Štiglic led the team with 36 kills while Bullington followed with 26. The rapid growth of success for these two feels of utmost importance, Bullington basically undertaking Rylen Reid's role in the system from a year ago and Štiglic learning the system in its entirety.
#contests #time
That's exactly what the 'Cats trip to Starkville looked like last week, handing Alabama (3-1) its first loss of the season before being dispatched by Mississippi State (4-1). These contests showed both sides of the coin when it comes to Wildcat volleyball.
Let's not waste time. Here are your three major takeaways from the weekend.
It's Lauren Dignan's time. She donned the libero jersey in both contests this week. That's not to say Drew Wright or Gigi Navarette will be tossed aside, but its clear that Tim Nollan believes in who he's recruited as the future of that position. 2025 was her year to learn the machine, 2026 is her year to take the wheel.
The Mara Štiglic-Bella Bullington partnership is starting to settle into place. Štiglic led the team with 36 kills while Bullington followed with 26. The rapid growth of success for these two feels of utmost importance, Bullington basically undertaking Rylen Reid's role in the system from a year ago and Štiglic learning the system in its entirety.
#contests #time
3 days ago
