The Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team showcased their mettle in their first 5-set match of the season. They defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks, who were ranked No. 21 in the most recent AVCA rankings. The Badgers have begun the season 3-0 after their hard-fought win in Arkansas, finishing the sets 21-25, 25-20, 26-24, 22-25, 15-13 for a 3-2 victory.
POINT. SET. MATCH. WISCONSIN. pic.twitter.com/OnnTKevz8t
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) August 31, 2023
Devyn Robinson’s Dominance for the Badgers
Stepping into the limelight, senior right-side hitter Devyn Robinson delivered a performance that proved instrumental in Wisconsin’s victory. Robinson’s performance included 21 kills to lead the team while playing all five sets for the Badgers. Without those 21 kills, the Badgers may have had a tougher evening against Arkansas. She also contributed nine blocks and an impressive .354 hitting percentage.
Coach Sheffield lauded Robinson’s performance in his after-match interview: Devyn was great starting the match… She kind of carried us for a little bit.”
Robinson started the match off strong with eight kills in the first set alone, setting the tone for her outstanding performance on the evening. She contributed the remaining 13 kills across the final sets, including a kill to cap off 7 unanswered points to seal the pivotal 3rd set win for the Badgers volleyball team.
7-0 RUN TO WIN THE SET!!! 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/qwS9Oiw2fE
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) August 31, 2023
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A Grueling Battle for the Wisconsin Badgers
The match was a back-and-forth contest, testing the Badgers’ resilience and adaptability. In the early stages, Wisconsin encountered setbacks, conceding only their second set of the season and trailing 1-0 after the first set, an unfamiliar situation in their young regular season campaign. The Razorbacks’ well-executed strategies and solid block positioning consistently created offensive opportunities for them, while Wisconsin grappled with errors in the service game.
The entire contest highlighted Wisconsin’s strategic lineup shifts and the team’s determined efforts to optimize its talent pool. As the game progressed, Robinson’s contribution remained a consistent force, even in the face of adversity.
A Spectacular Finish
With lead changes and plenty of back and forth heading into the fifth set, the Badgers were able to seal the deal with a spectacular win. Sarah Franklin’s emphatic kill clinched the victory, sealing the third victory on the season for the No. 1 ranked Badgers volleyball team.
POINT. SET. MATCH. WISCONSIN. pic.twitter.com/OnnTKevz8t
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) August 31, 2023
Izzy Ashburn Inches Closer to Badgers Record
Grad student Izzy Ashburn was 5 service aces away from matching Margie Kaminski (1984-1987) on the all-time leader board for the Badgers. She was able to secure one service ace during their 7-0 run to help the Badgers secure the 3rd set en route to their win.
CLUTCH ACE from @izzyashburn2! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/VJsAYdY3Qt
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) August 31, 2023
She now stands just 4 service aces from tying the record of 166.
Wisconsin’s overall statistics showcased their dominance, hitting .295 (70 kills – 18 errors – 176 attempts), while Arkansas finished at .249 (69 kills – 24 errors – 181 attempts). Notably, outside hitter Jillian Gillen led the Razorbacks with 22 kills.
Up Next for the Badgers Volleyball Team
The Badgers take on the Razorbacks again this evening at 7 PM EST. They’re then headed home for a banner unveiling at their home opener on Sunday at 1 PM EST.