The Wisconsin Badgers just can’t be stopped. Badgers volleyball has now run their set win streak up to 21 after a sweep of Illinois 25-22, 25-15, 25-12. The No. 1 ranked Wisconsin has moved to a 15-0 record on the season, and a 22 game win streak in the Big Ten dating back to 2022.
No Comeback Kids Needed
The Comeback Kids didn’t need to make a come back in this one, as after an evenly matched first frame, it was all Badgers against Illinois. They were never down by more than three, and erased that deficit with five unanswered points. Gulce Guctekin sealed the first set with an ace.
Snagged set 1 🤝 pic.twitter.com/p54Spht7ur
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) October 7, 2023
Badgers volleyball continued their onslaught, jumping out to a 11-3 lead. Illinois was able to get back within seven, but the Badgers maintained the lead and took the second set.
In the third set, Badgers volleyball had 16 kills to put down Illinois 25-12 and secure their sweep.
Badgers Volleyball by the Numbers
The Badgers hit at a .388 clip, which outpaced Illinois, who hit a paltry .085. Carter Booth led the way with an impressive .889 hitting percentage, while Sarah Franklin had 11 kills to lead the team, along with Anna Smrek adding 10. They both hit .321 and .409 respectively.
The story of the night was the Badgers hosting yet another block party. Badgers volleyball held Illinois down and out blocked them 12-4. That adds Illinois to a list of 14 teams that the Badgers have out blocked this season. CC Crawford and Anna Smrek led the way with 7 blocks apiece.
Here ya go, you can have this right back 🤫 pic.twitter.com/gx9H5ALZ2G
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) October 7, 2023
Up next for the Badgers is a home match against Rutgers on Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Wisconsin win the Big 10 volleyball?
Yes, the University of Wisconsin volleyball team won the 2022 Big Ten Conference championship by defeating Nebraska with a score of 3-1. The game took place at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb. It was a significant achievement for the third-ranked team in the conference.
Why did Julia Orzol play libero?
Julia Orzol chose to play libero because she believed that the position allowed her to have a greater impact on her teammates and influence their emotions. She recognized the value in the position and the various unnoticed ways she could contribute.