The Wisconsin volleyball team proved their worth as a top-four seed in the NCAA tournament with a stunning victory over the previously undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers. Not only did the Badgers defeat the No. 1 team in the nation, but they did so in a clean sweep, handing Nebraska their first loss of the season. The final scoreline of 25-22, 28-26, 25-16 showcased the dominance of the Wisconsin team and provided a measure of revenge for their previous five-set loss against the Cornhuskers.
In an inspiring display of determination, Badgers coach Kelly Sheffield emphasized that the match was not solely about defeating Nebraska. Instead, it was about the Badgers finding their rhythm and playing their best, regardless of the opponent. And play their best they did. Junior right-side hitter Anna Smrek had a standout performance, achieving season highs in kills (18) and attempts (37) with a remarkable .378 hitting percentage. Senior outside hitter Sarah Franklin recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 16 kills and 12 digs, hitting an impressive .424. Graduate student Temi Thomas-Ailara added eight kills during the final two sets, further bolstering the Badgers’ offense.
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The Wisconsin team demonstrated their prowess by hitting an outstanding .357, the highest percentage achieved against the Cornhuskers this season. They also managed to ace Nebraska five times, tying the record for the most aces by an opponent. Setting the stage for future encounters, senior MJ Hammill, who had 25 assists, successfully aced Nebraska twice during the match.
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Looking forward, the Badgers understand that the Big Ten is a highly competitive conference, necessitating their continuous improvement and focus. According to Hammill, they recognize the strength of Nebraska as a team and anticipate potentially meeting them again in future tournaments.
Now, let’s delve into some key takeaways from this momentous win:
UW Shows Tenacity in Crucial Moments
The Badgers displayed composure and resilience in crucial moments during the first and second sets. Despite close competition, Wisconsin managed to edge out Nebraska by outscoring them 6-3 to win the first set. In the second set, the Badgers were trailing 22-19 before clinching the victory in extra points. This ability to stay composed and perform when it mattered most is an encouraging development for a team that previously struggled to close out matches against tough opponents.
Wisconsin’s Killer Instinct Shines in the Final Set
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Knowing the difficulty of putting away Nebraska, Wisconsin refused to give their opponents any chance of a comeback. After a tight start, the Badgers steadily pulled away in the final set. At one point, they were hitting an astounding .706 and maintained their lead, resulting in a comprehensive finish. The offensive trio of Franklin, Smrek, and Thomas-Ailara played a critical role, maintaining their effectiveness and minimizing errors to secure the win.
Anna Smrek Solidifies Her Role as a Starter
Coach Sheffield made a strategic change to the lineup, placing Anna Smrek and MJ Hammill in the starting lineup. This shift paid off, with Smrek delivering consistent production throughout the match. She recorded five kills in the first set, seven in the second, and six in the third. Notably, she made pivotal plays during Wisconsin’s final seven points in the second set, including a kill on set point for the Huskers. Smrek’s performance exemplified the team’s courage and trust in each other, as they worked collectively to create scoring opportunities.
Temi Thomas-Ailara Overcomes Slow Start
Despite a slow start, Temi Thomas-Ailara showcased her resilience and talent by significantly improving her hitting percentage in the final two sets. She posted a remarkable .412 hitting percentage during that time, contributing eight kills and only one error in 17 swings. Thomas-Ailara’s impact was instrumental in elevating the team’s overall hitting percentage from .270 in the first set to .294 in the second and .593 in the third. Her physicality and ability to come up with crucial kills were key factors in Wisconsin’s success.
The Wisconsin volleyball team’s victory over Nebraska serves as a testament to their skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. As they continue to navigate the highly competitive Big Ten conference and approach the NCAA tournament, the Badgers’ resolute attitude and cohesive teamwork will undoubtedly make them a force to be reckoned with.
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