Gophers volleyball is booming, Lydia Grote is playing like a superstar

Grote attacked the Badgers' physically imposing block without fear. She played arguably the best defensive game of her career. She filled out the stat sheet in almost every way imaginable.

There's no telling what the ceiling is for the No. 16 Gophers (8-3, 1-0 Big Ten) if Grote can maintain this high pace in Big Ten play, Saturday at home against No. 10 Purdue (9-3, 1-0 Big Ten) continues. 3, 0-1).

The Burbank, California native recorded a season-high 17 kills, a career-high 16 digs, four blocks, three aces and three assists against the rival Badgers. It was a performance that improved after a slow start to the season.

“I’ve seen it coming for about two weeks now,” Gophers coach Keegan Cook said. “Lydia is stubborn. We tell them that excellence is a moving target. Sometimes you have to keep moving. She wants to do everything right with this program.”

One could argue that the 6-2 transfer to California was the right move for the Gophers upon their arrival last year. She earned second-team All-Big Ten honors for a 17-13 team, but Grote decided to return for a fifth year to achieve more wins.

It was exciting to upset No. 1 Texas, but Grote then felt pressure early when he didn't immediately make the same impact he did last year, including just four kills on 27 attempts in a Sept. 7 loss to TCU.

Grote came closer to her all-conference form at times as she led the Gophers with 10 kills against St. Thomas and 11 kills and 10 digs against Auburn to start their current seven-game winning streak.