In a high-stakes battle that left the audience on the edge of their seats, the Nebraska Cornhuskers emerged victorious in a neck-and-neck showdown against the top-ranked Wisconsin Badgers Oct. 21.
The match, which extended to a gripping five sets, culminated in a 3-2 victory for the Cornhuskers, shaking up the women’s volleyball landscape.
The University of Wisconsin, which had won 30 consecutive sets and 18 consecutive match victories, also suffered its first dropped set in over a month.
The initial set saw the Nebraska team assert their dominance and claim a 25-22 triumph. The Badgers, however, swiftly retaliated. UW turned the tide in their favor with consecutive wins in the second and third sets, triumphing 25-17 and 25-20, respectively.
Despite Wisconsin’s surge, the resilient Cornhuskers refused to concede defeat, mounting an impressive comeback in the fourth set and ultimately pushing the match into a dramatic fifth and final set.
Volleyball: Wisconsin sweeps Ohio State, extends set win streak to 30
The dynamic duo of Harper Murray, who secured a double-double with 14 kills and 15 digs and Merritt Beason, who notched an impressive 21 kills and seven digs, proved instrumental in Nebraska’s resilience.
Despite facing stiff opposition from the formidable Wisconsin blocking defense, the Cornhuskers maintained their composure, eventually clinching the pivotal fifth set with a series of decisive plays.
The Badgers, though falling short in this intense clash, showcased an impressive defensive performance. UW racked up 18 total blocks, the third-highest tally in the program’s history for a five-set match under 25-point rally scoring. Senior Sarah Franklin led the charge for Wisconsin, delivering 17 kills, closely supported by Devyn Robinson and Temi Thomas-Ailara, who each contributed 10 kills.
Nebraska coach John Cook lauded his team’s exceptional display, tipping his red cowboy hat as a salute to the Huskers’ hard-earned triumph.
With this victory, the Cornhuskers extended their undefeated streak to 19-0, simultaneously ending Wisconsin’s 18-match winning streak and potentially securing the top spot in the AVCA rankings.
Despite the setback, the Badgers’ commendable performance throughout the match underscored their tenacity and skill.
With the conclusion of this thrilling encounter, both teams left an indelible mark on the volleyball world, solidifying their positions as formidable contenders in the ongoing season.
