Frozen Tundra Invite – A Win For All of Wisconsin Volleyball Fans

In the volleyball world, we all wear multiple hats as far as what teams we root for.  This past Saturday at the Kress Center in Green Bay, we were rooting for everyone. 

The Frozen Invite hosted by UW-Green Bay brought together four in-state volleyball programs for a unique day of volleyball that brought in over 3500 fans.  UW-Oshkosh, the defending D3 national champions, took on Lawrence University out of Appleton with Green Bay vs. Wisconsin to follow. 

On a personal note, this felt a little bit like “Prep Dig Alumni Weekend”, covering many of these athletes since they started their prep volleyball careers. 

Here's a quick breakdown of Oshkosh vs. Lawrence: 

UW-Oshkosh is coming off quite a 2025 season.  The Titans have been on the rise in one of the toughest D3 conferences in the country.  They finished 34-3 overall which included a WIAC title and a national championship where they didn't even drop a set in the national tournament.  Three Titans were named All Americans and were in action this past Saturday in Samantha Perlberg, Lauren Grier, and Grace Juergens.  I can remember first seeing Sami Perlberg compete at one of our showcases in Indianapolis in 2021.  She would have been a sophomore competing for Air VBC out of the Eau Claire area.  The athleticism was always apparent and each time she stepped on the court her game was always improved.  Now, she is one of the top players in all of D3. 

Since Jeff Van Lannen took over the Lawrence program in 2024, this program has been on the up and up (major understatement).  He took over a program who was 5-22 in 2023 and this past fall finished with a record of 23-11, advancing to the final four of the Midwest Conference Tournament.  He has built a roster full of in-state talent, and his newest addition hits very close to home, and could be a gamechanger for the program. His daughter, Bella Van Lannen comes to Lawrence as a grad transfer after a successful career at Northern Colorado.  She had an immediate impact on the court for the Vikings on Saturday with her experience and skill really standing out. 

Oshkosh would win the match 3-1.  In spring matches, this is a chance for coaches to try different lineups, see how athletes can compete when there are officials, a crowd, and something on the line.  The volleyball was extremely clean starting with the ball control.  Lawrence and Oshkosh showed their athleticism and physicality at the net where they can score at a high level.  Heading into the 2026 season, Oshkosh is most likely going to be the number one ranked team in D3 and rightfully so.  Keep an eye on Lawrence, with what they have coming back and the recruits coming in they will be aiming for a berth in the national tournament. 

Green Bay vs. Wisconsin: 

There was a different energy in the Kress during warm ups.  For Wisconsin, this is another match for them, accustomed to the large crowds. For the Kress Center in general, this facility doesn't see crowds like this.  Green Bay is one of the league leaders for attendance in the Horizon League for volleyball and women's basketball.  However a crowd of 3,500 for any event, let alone a spring volleyball game in Green Bay is a special feat.  There was plenty of red supporting the Badgers, but also a lot of green for the home team with the Green Bay squad wearing green shirts saying “Everyone Watches Green Bay Volleyball”. 

With everyone on their feet before the start of the national anthem, a moment was had for Green Bay volleyball athlete, Kendall Schara.  Schara was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in April of 2025.  She was back in uniform Saturday with the announcement that she is currently in remission.  Lynney Tarnow of Wisconsin presented a bouquet of flowers from the team to Schara.  Per usual in the volleyball community everyone is separated by about two degrees. Tarnow played club volleyball for 1st Alliance with Schara's sister Elle who is currently on the volleyball team at Purdue. 

Once the first whistle blew, the Badgers showed why they will be one of the top teams in the country again this upcoming season.  They have plenty of new faces, some who graduated early from high school to join the squad this spring.  Two transfers that jumped out right away were middle blocker Jaela Auguste out of Florida and Eva Travis from UC Santa Barbara.  The athleticism of Auguste is something different.  The way she leaps and her fast arm swing allows her to be an instant highlight whenever the ball is her way.  Eva Travis has a solid all around game where she can serve receive, pass, and terminate at a high level.  The depth at the pin for Wisconsin is unreal. 

Another outside hitter who is a new name to Wisconsin is Halle Thompson.  I remember first watching Halle Thompson at the Northern Lights Qualifier as a 15 year old.  From early on, she had an uncanny ability to score points.  There is also an excitement and flair about her game where she is dancing on the sidelines, flashing a smile, and will become a Badger fan favorite. 

Setter Charlie Fuerbringer is “officially' a veteran.  She will be a junior this upcoming season and will have the most experience on the squad.  There was one play where she jumped,  I thought for sure she was going to swing, but she shoots it out to the pin for a kill on the outside.  Her presence on the court is so mature, she has a quiet swag and confidence about her, and she is going to continue to elevate this program. 

For Green Bay, they have a freshman of their own who is going to be one to watch.  Sari Marks Sari Marks 6'0" | S Sun Prairie West | 2026 State #191 Nation WI graduated high school at the semester from Sun Prairie West and has been an impact player for the Phoenix.  She is a setter/right side combo player who was able to score points while also dishing to her attackers showing real promise.  For her to get these spring reps will be a huge advantage once the official season starts in August. 

Saturday proved to be a win for everyone.  We are so lucky to have a volleyball community in Wisconsin that takes pride in the game.  What a special event that all ages were able to partake in.  Green Bay, with its beautiful Kress Center proved to be the perfect venue for an event like this.  We can only hope for something like this to be a yearly event for the state of Wisconsin.