Wisconsin Volleyball Team Comes Close in Epic Face-off Against Nebraska
Oct 21, 2023; Lincoln, NE, USA; Wisconsin Badgers middle blocker Anna Smrek (14) attacks against Nebraska Cornhuskers outside hitter Harper Murray (27) and middle blocker Bekka Allick (5) during the second set at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
© Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
The Build-Up: A Highly Anticipated Face-off
In a volleyball showdown that promised to be epic, the No. 1 Wisconsin Badgers took on the undefeated No. 2 Nebraska Cornhuskers. Both teams, sporting stellar records in the Big Ten, clashed in a contest that came down to the wire.
Set One: Nebraska Draws First Blood
It was a tense opening set. Wisconsin battled back from an 18-13 deficit to force a Nebraska timeout at 24-22. However, the Cornhuskers clinched the first set 25-22, putting the Badgers on the back foot early in the match.
Wisconsin's Blocking Clinic: Set Two Triumph
The Badgers unleashed a blocking masterclass in the second set, racking up an impressive 12 blocks. The dynamic duo of Devyn Robinson and Carter Booth led the charge with back-to-back blocks, propelling Wisconsin to a 25-17 victory in the second set.
Set Three: Badgers Take the Lead
The third set opened as a balanced contest, but Wisconsin eventually broke away. An 11-5 lead forced another Nebraska timeout, and a series of strategic plays gave Wisconsin a decisive 25-20 win, pulling ahead with a 2-1 set lead.
A Dramatic Fourth Set: The Cornhuskers Fight Back
In a fourth set filled with ties and lead changes, Nebraska gained the upper hand with a 17-14 lead. But the Badgers answered back, going on a 7-1 run, only for Nebraska to tie it at 24-24. Two consecutive kills from Nebraska closed the set at 26-24, forcing a decisive fifth set.
Oct 21, 2023; Lincoln, NE, USA; Wisconsin Badgers middle blocker Devyn Robinson (10) attacks against Nebraska Cornhuskers outside hitter Ally Batenhorst (14) and middle blocker Andi Jackson (15) during the second set. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
© Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Final Set Heartbreak: Nebraska Breaks the Streak
In the race to 15 points, Wisconsin held a 10-8 lead, but a resurgent Nebraska staged a 5-1 run to snatch a 15-13 victory, breaking Wisconsin's 10-game winning streak against them.
Stats and Standouts: Key Players and Moments
Sarah Franklin led the Badgers with 17 kills, while Robinson and Temi Thomas-Ailara finished with 10 kills each. On the other side, Merritt Beason of Nebraska had an astounding 21 kills. Both Booth and CC Crawford shined defensively, each with nine blocks.
What’s Next for Wisconsin Volleyball
The Badgers will hit the road again to face Michigan State this Friday at 6 p.m.
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