The University of Wisconsin volleyball team kicked off their season with a bang, showcasing their talent and power in the first set against Louisville at the AVCA First Serve Showcase. Led by standout player Sarah Franklin, who had 17 kills in the match, the Badgers seemed poised for a strong performance. However, their momentum was short-lived as they stumbled in the following sets, ultimately falling to Louisville in a hard-fought battle at the KFC Yum! Center.
Despite their strong start, the Badgers struggled to maintain their dominance throughout the match, hitting just .179 overall. Anna Smrek and Devyn Robinson also contributed to the team’s efforts with 12 and 8 kills respectively. On the other side, Louisville’s Charitie Luper and Sofi Maldonado Diaz led their team with 11 kills each, as the Cardinals managed to outplay the Badgers and secure the victory.
This loss marked the first time the Badgers had been defeated in a season opener since 2015, setting the tone for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the season. Looking ahead, the team is set to face off against No. 1 Texas in their next match, presenting another tough test for the Badgers.
One of the key areas of focus for the Badgers in the lead-up to the season has been improving their serving game. Coach Kelly Sheffield has emphasized the importance of tough serving to keep opponents on their toes, similar to the strategy employed by national champions Texas. While the team struggled with service errors in the match against Louisville, Sheffield remains committed to refining this aspect of their game for future success.
Another intriguing development for the Badgers was the use of the new NCAA rule allowing teams to utilize two liberos. Sheffield took advantage of this rule by rotating junior Gulce Guctekin and redshirt freshman Saige Damrow in the libero position throughout the match. This strategic decision allowed for greater flexibility and adaptability in the team’s defensive lineup.
In a separate match, No. 2 Nebraska secured a victory over No. 9 Kentucky, with Merritt Beason and Rebekah Allick leading the charge with 11 kills each. The Cornhuskers demonstrated strong blocking skills, outperforming the Wildcats in both kills and blocks. The match showcased the competitive nature of college volleyball and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
As the season progresses, the University of Wisconsin volleyball team will continue to refine their skills, address areas of improvement, and strive for success on the court. With a talented roster and dedicated coaching staff, the Badgers are poised to make their mark in the competitive world of college volleyball.