Wisconsin volleyball’s 2016 ACC/Big Ten Challenge slate features University of North Carolina and University of Louisville — rematches of last season’s opponents in the same tournament.
Wisconsin defeated UNC 3-0 and Louisville 3-1 in those 2015 matches in Louisville, and the Badgers will have go on the road once again, but this time in front of UNC’s home crowd at Carmichael Arena.
Wisconsin is off to another great start in 2016, but Saturday should prove the first real test for an explosive Badgers team. Wisconsin started the season as the No. 2 in the country and has only dropped one set through their first five matches, with this single blemish coming against then-No. 15 Hawaii in the season opener. Since then, Wisconsin (5-0) has amounted a perfect 12-0 record in sets, bringing their total sets lead to 15-1 on the season.
North Carolina Tarheels
The Badgers take on a dangerous Tarheels team, Friday at 5:30 p.m., who have already proven they have what it takes to take down high-caliber Big Ten talent. To kick off the season UNC traveled to Penn State, one of the toughest venues in the country, for the Penn State Classic and emerged victorious with a 3-2 edge over the host then-No. 13 Nittany Lions. No. 11 North Carolina (5-0) has maintained its perfect record since defeating the Big Ten powerhouse, and look to put their undefeated record on the line this weekend when they battle the No. 2 Badgers at home in Carmichael Arena.
Louisville Cardinals
Though not as highly regarded out of the gates as fellow ACC member UNC, Louisville certainly brings a lot to the table. The Cardinals head into this weekend touting a 4-3 overall record, after suffering a slight skid as of late. Louisville got off to a hot start after winning its first three games, but have dropped two of three since. If the same Louisville team that took the court for the Cardinals in their first three games shows up Saturday night, Wisconsin could certainly have its hands full. Not to mention, Saturday’s matchup will be a quick turnaround for Wisconsin after they play the Tarheels the night prior. First serve is at 3 p.m. Saturday.
