Dominant Wisconsin Badgers Volleyball Continues Undefeated Streak in 2023 Season
Wisconsin setter Izzy Ashburn (11) serves during their volleyball match against Marquette Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. Official attendance was 17,037 making it the largest indoor regular-season crowd for a volleyball match in NCAA history and the largest crowd to see a women s sporting event in Wisconsin history.
© Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Even a change in strategy couldn't stop the Wisconsin Badgers (7-0 Big Ten, 16-0 overall) volleyball team. They continued their dominant run with a sweep of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-6, 9-8). The match ended 3-0 (25-17, 25-4, 25-16), showcasing the Badgers' dominance on the court. And, it is their seventh straight sweep in a row, they'll work on their eighth Sunday afternoon against the Maryland Terrapins at the UW Field House.
Adjusting to Adversity
Injuries to senior setter MJ Hammill and senior middle blocker Devyn Robinson necessitated a shift to a 5-1 system for the Badgers. Head coach Kelly Sheffield mentioned that it was a challenging week in practice, but the team adapted well. Despite a tight opening set, the Badgers managed a critical 3-0 run, securing their lead at 15-12 in the first set, a position they held throughout the match.
Senior setter Izzy Ashburn emphasized the team's adaptability and seamless play, even with the system change. She noted that once the ball is in the air, everyone is solely focused on playing their best.
A New Serving Star
The change in formation allowed junior middle blocker Anna Smrek to serve for the first time. Smrek, who also contributed 10 kills and 3 blocks during the match, notched two aces on the night, including one on her first serve of the season. Although she experienced some initial service errors, Smrek's mental toughness and confidence shone through.
Sheffield had been eager to showcase Smrek's serving ability, as the opposing team struggled to pass while she was serving. Despite the erraticness of her serve, Sheffield praised Smrek's ability to reset and perform under pressure.
Wisconsin right side Anna Smrek (14) spikes the the ball during the fifth set of their regional final match against Pittsburgh at the Wisconsin Field House on Saturday December 10, 2022 in Madison, Wis.
© Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
A Night of Dominant Serving
The Badgers displayed strong serving throughout the match, especially in the first set, where they managed five service aces, contributing to their 25-17 victory. The second set was even more impressive as the Badgers routed Rutgers 25-4, tying the record for the fewest points allowed in a set. The Badgers' hitting percentage was .700 in the second set, while Rutgers struggled with a negative hitting percentage of -.174.
Smrek credited the team's strong defense and their ability to thrive in long rallies as key factors in their second-set victory.
Standout Performances
Sophomore defensive specialist Gülce Güçtekin played a pivotal role in the 5-1 system, showcasing remarkable digs, four assists, and two aces. On the offensive front, Grace Franklin led with 16 kills on .324 hitting, contributing to the Badgers' victory.
Franklin, a 6-foot-4 outside hitter, highlighted her connection with Izzy Ashburn, who had 33 assists during the match. The partnership between Franklin and Ashburn contributed significantly to the team's success. Franklin also had four aces during the match, contributing to the Badgers' season-high total of 11 aces, with Ashburn, Joslyn Boyer, and Julia Orzoł each finding success with their serves.
Unbeaten Streak Continues
The Badgers' victory against Rutgers means they have maintained their perfect record in conference play, not dropping a single set. Next, they'll face the Maryland Terrapins at the UW Field House on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., a match that will be streamed on Big Ten+.
In summary, the Wisconsin Badgers delivered a dominant performance against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, displaying their adaptability, strong serving, and standout individual performances. Their unbeaten streak in conference play continues, setting the stage for more thrilling matchups in the season.
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