The No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers got back to their sweeping ways against Michigan State on Friday and are looking to continue the same success against Minnesota. After losing to No. 1 Nebraska, Wisconsin volleyball is looking to regain their streaks as the second half of Big Ten play rolls on.
New Frontiers for Women’s Collegiate Volleyball
It’s no secret that Wisconsin volleyball has been breaking records with attendance for NCAA sports. That exposure has led the Badgers to be featured on a new TV network – Fox. This Border Battle from the UW Field House will air live on Fox, marking the first time that volleyball has ever aired on the network. The game follows the Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings game.
𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞
Tune in on Sunday for the first-ever volleyball match aired on Fox! pic.twitter.com/20u55CRl5l
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) October 28, 2023
Wisconsin Volleyball by the Numbers
The Badgers have put down all their opponents, except for Nebraska this season, and they’ll look to continue that dominance against Minnesota. Wisconsin volleyball has brought the block party to the court in almost every match. With their eight blocks against Michigan State, they’ve out-blocked 19 of 20 opponents this season. The Badgers are second in the Big Ten with 2.83 blocks per set, and fifth in the nation.
Taking care of business in each match is Carter Booth for the Badgers as she averages 1.4 blocks per set. That’s good for third in the Big Ten and ninth in the nation.
The Badgers have done well limiting their opponent’s offense this season, which has helped bolster their success. They’ve held opponents to a .147 hitting percentage, second in the Big Ten, only behind Nebraska. They’re also holding opponents to 10.77 kills per set, and 10.14 assists per set, good for second and third respectively in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin volleyball has also been adept at mystifying the defense with their offensive onslaught. Opponents have only put up 1.46 blocks per set, which is the best in the Big Ten.
On the attacking side of the net, Badgers volleyball has hit better than .300 in 14 of their matches this season. Their .308 hitting percentage leads the Big Ten and is third in Division I volleyball. Leading the Big Ten conference are Carter Booth and Anna Smrek.
Player to Watch
Carter Booth is an intriguing player to watch in this match. Booth plays well on both sides of the net, but Minnesota is blocked by opponents 2.05 times per set, which plays right into Booth’s game. During the match with Michigan State, she led the team in hitting percentage, was second to Sarah Franklin in kills, and should continue to do well against Minnesota.
What makes it more interesting? She left the Minnesota Gophers after her first season of volleyball for the Badgers, and will likely want to show her old team what she’s made of.
Textbook from @carter5200 🤓
Today’s Smart Play, presented by @ATCgrid pic.twitter.com/blBR5tqd1X
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) October 27, 2023
