This is what makes Gophers volleyball unique among sports attractions with a notable following in the Twin Cities: There is absolutely nothing to complain about.
It starts with the schedule. There is more fierce competition, top to bottom, in women's volleyball than in any sport in the Big Ten. There is a 20-game conference schedule spread over 10 weeks.
Generally, the teams are home one weekend and on the road the next. There is no such thing as an easy week in Big Ten volleyball.
The Gophers' tradition — previously with Mike Hebert, now with Hugh McCutcheon — is also to play a difficult nonconference schedule.
The depth of the Big Ten was demonstrated Wednesday, when Ohio State came to Minneapolis as the sixth-place team. The Buckeyes were tall, athletic and creative, and had the first-place Gophers on the ropes — up 2-0 in sets.
It remained a struggle for the Gophers into the third set, and then came the charge: Daly Santana, Sarah Wilhite and Hannah Tapp blasting away, freshman Samantha Seliger-Swenson delivering her variety of set-ups, and terrific defense from everyone.
The Gophers won the last three sets — guaranteeing a share of the Big Ten title. They clinched it outright with a four-set victory at Indiana on Saturday.
The appeal with volleyball goes beyond the level of competition and the abilities of the athletes. The atmosphere is terrific.
