Badgers Launch Playoff Campaign as No. 3 Seed

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ago 33 minutes

Badgers Launch Playoff Campaign as No. 3 Seed

The Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team, ranked No. 3, is set to kick off its NCAA Tournament journey this week. They will face Eastern Illinois on Thursday, December 4, at the UW Field House. The match will follow the opening game between No. 6 UTEP and North Carolina.

Match Details

Match Date: Thursday, December 4
Location: UW Field House, Madison, Wisconsin
First Serve: Approximately 4:30 p.m. CT, following the UTEP vs. North Carolina match
Gates Open: 3:00 p.m. CT

Both matches will be available for streaming on ESPN+. Fans can enter the venue starting at 5:30 p.m. CT on Friday for further weekend games. Tickets for the opening rounds can be purchased online.

Season Overview

The Badgers concluded their regular season with a record of 24-4, securing the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They are set to host the first two rounds for the seventh consecutive time, excluding the pandemic-affected season in 2020. Over these years, Wisconsin holds an impressive undefeated record of 13-0 in early tournament rounds.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Kelly Sheffield, the team has consistently advanced to the Regional Semifinals or beyond. Sheffield’s postseason record stands at 42-11, which reflects a strong 28-2 at the UW Field House.

About Their Opponent

This matchup marks the first encounter with Eastern Illinois in two decades. Historically, the Badgers lead the series 4-2, with a 3-1 record when playing in Madison. Eastern Illinois comes into the contest as champions of the Ohio Valley Conference.

Key Players

The Badgers feature notable athletes poised for impactful performances. Outside hitter Mimi Colyer recently won her fifth Big Ten Player of the Week award, marking the highest total among Badger players since setter Sydney Hilley in 2021. Colyer ranks third nationally in kills per set (5.32) and points per set (5.93).

Mimi Colyer: Outside hitter, Big Ten Player of the Week
Carter Booth: Middle blocker, All-Big Ten First Team
Charlie Fuerbringer: Setter, All-Big Ten First Team
Kristen Simon: Libero, All-Big Ten Freshman Team

This trio, along with Colyer, has propelled Wisconsin to the second-highest hitting percentage in the nation at .317. The team finished second in the Big Ten, accumulating 17 conference victories.