The No. 1 Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team saw their ranking threatened for the first time, but they’ve proven that comebacks are something they can handle with their win against No. 3 Florida Gators. The Wisconsin Badgers dug themselves an early hole and had to battle back from a 2-0 deficit, something they haven’t done since facing Purdue in November of 2019. The Badgers rallied to secure a15-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 15-13 victory 3-2 victory over the Florida Gators in front of a record crowd of 10,323.
10,323 saw what the Badgers are all about today. pic.twitter.com/dfEsHOZDNa
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) September 17, 2023
Badgers Volleyball Started Shaky
The Badgers lost the first set in stunning fashion, 15-25. Heading into the game, we knew this was going to be a test for the Wisconsin Badgers, especially given that the Florida Gators held an undefeated record, much like them. Heading into the second set, the Badgers kept it closer and ultimately fell behind, but their shift in energy was what was important.
Set 2 in the 📚 pic.twitter.com/g6OSQ7wDbW
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) September 17, 2023
A Shift for the Wisconsin Badgers
Though they fell behind again, the energy shift was palpable. Entering the third set, Wisconsin rode a wave of determination, jumping to a 13-4 lead. A 5-0 run capped it off. While Florida tried to mount a defense, the Badgers offense was too much for the Florida Gators to fend off.
The fourth set saw Wisconsin maintain an edge, clinching the set after a 3-0 run. As for the final set, it was a nail-biter with seven ties and four lead shifts. Thanks to MJ Hammill’s service and Smrek’s prowess, Wisconsin managed to turn a 10-10 stalemate into a 13-10 lead. Eventually, it was Smrek’s decisive kill that sealed the deal for the Badgers.
MATCH POINT BADGERS pic.twitter.com/GW3zCFDYgC
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) September 17, 2023
Star players included Smrek, who delivered a staggering 16 kills. Sarah Franklin and Devyn Robinson chipped in with 13 and 10 kills, respectively. Overall, the Badgers achieved a .199 hit rate, barely outpacing the Gators, who finished with .180.
On the supportive front, both Izzy Ashburn and MJ Hammill showcased their all-rounder skills with double-doubles. Julia Orzol, consistently impressive, marked her eighth game this season with digs in double figures, reaching 13 this match. Franklin matched her tenacity, adding 10 digs to her tally.
In the defensive arena, Florida narrowly surpassed Wisconsin in digs, 74-70. However, both teams exhibited their defensive strength, each securing eight blocks. Booth stood out with an impressive six blocks, closely followed by Smrek with five.
Badgers volleyball opens their Big Ten Conference play this Friday when they travel to Northwestern.
