As the Wildcats approach the half way mark in the Big Ten season with just one win after near perfect pre-conference play, both the coaches and players grow increasingly frustrated with their underwhelming performance.

NU dropped its match 3-0 to No. 8 Wisconsin Wednesday night, falling to 10-7, 1-6 in the Big Ten. The Cats are currently last in the conference.

“We didn’t play consistent volleyball,” said coach Keylor Chan. “It was won and lost at the net and Wisconsin beat us at the net.”

Wisconsin jumped to a 9-0 lead in the first game and although the Cats were able to regain some ground after falling behind 20-6, Wisconsin took the game 30-17.

Game two was closer but Wisconsin maintained a lead on the Cats throughout the game and won again, 30-27. The Cats competed with Wisconsin in game three until the Badgers burst an 18-16 score and handed the Cats their seventh loss of the season.

While Chan felt NU controlled and passed the ball well, the Cats need to pick up their offense (attacking and blocking) in order to win against Indiana on Saturday.

In addition, sophomore outside hitter Courtnie Paulus feels concentration was an issue.

“On the court we need to focus on volleyball and just execute.”

Senior libero Christie Gardner’s 25 digs gave her a 1,339 career total, putting her third in NU’s career total. However, Gardner felt her accomplishment was overshadowed by the loss.

“At times we executed the game plan and when we did we were successful. (Right now) we just need to get prepared to face Indiana,” Gardner said.