The Michigan women's volleyball team will continue its quest for respect and redemption when it takes on Notre Dame and Eastern Michigan this weekend at Cliff Keen Arena.
The Wolverines grabbed two of three matches at the Spikeoff Spokane Tournament and hope that their up-tempo play of late will continue.
Sparked by Shareen Luze's defense, Karen Chase's power hitting and Linnea Mendoza's assists, the Wolverines look to reach the .500 mark.
"This team is a pleasure to coach," Michigan coach Greg Giovanazzi said. "The players have been responding to what has been asked of them."
But things were not so enjoyable a couple of weeks ago.
The Wolverines dropped their first four games of the season and looked more like the Detroit Red Wings in the playoffs than a team that expected itself to legitimatelycompete for the Big Ten title.
The problem was ineffective performances, as the Wolverines played up to but did not overwhelm their opponents.
Giovanazzi was able to hold the Wolverines together, however, and it has been smooth sailing ever since.
Since their early season jitters, the Wolverines have managed to win four of five and vault themselves into the Big Ten title picture with a 4-5 overall record.
"Ever since George Mason (which beat Michigan in three sets last Saturday), we have had an upward swing in confidence," Giovanazzi said.
"Our players are stepping up, and that is showing in the stats."
The team's schedule also had something to do with that upward swing.
"We played four teams (at the beginning of the season) that were top 15 teams," Giovanazzi said. "Now we have been playing teams that actually do make some mistakes."
But now Michigan takes on one of those "mistake-free" teams in Notre Dame.
The Irish have lost only six times under coach Debbie Brown. Giovanazzi is confident, however, that the Wolverines will be able to step up to the task.
"(Michigan's) Sarah Jackson has come into her own, and Mendoza has a good grasp of the offense's game plan," Giovanazzi said.
Both Jackson and Mendoza will have to have good games if the team is to win.
Michigan is also receiving some Irish luck. Notre Dame comes to Ann Arbor a banged-up team.
Injuries to starters Carey May and Kristina Ervin have caused major shake-ups to the Notre Dame lineup.
But the Wolverines know full well that injuries will not keep Notre Dame from attacking.
Tomorrow night's game is an important test for Michigan, for it will show Giovanazzi just how far his team has come.
Funny as it may seem, Giovanazzi is more concerned about a possible letdown against Saturday's opponent, Eastern Michigan.
"We play a tough game against the Irish (tomorrow night)," Giovanazzi said.
"Then the next night, we play a lesser team in Eastern Michigan.
"We have to play solid games, both nights."
This weekend is the last preseason tournament the Wolverines will compete in before opening up conference play against Iowa and Illinois next week.