Badgers Pursue Eighth Consecutive Regional Finals Victory
The Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team is set to chase their eighth consecutive victory in the Regional Finals. They will face off against the Texas Longhorns on Sunday, December 14, 2023. The highly anticipated match will take place at Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Texas, with the first serve scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT. Fans can tune in to ESPN for the broadcast.
Badgers’ Impressive Regional Semifinal Performance
In their recent matchup, the Badgers, ranked No. 3 nationally, delivered one of their best performances this season. They achieved a decisive four-set victory over No. 2 Stanford, with scores of 25-17, 21-25, 25-23, and 25-22. This marked their first win against a top-10 team this year.
Wisconsin’s offense shone brightly, posting a remarkable .420 hitting percentage. Outside hitter Mimi Colyer was a standout player, recording 27 kills. This performance pushed her career total past 2,000 kills and established a new school record for the most kills in a season, surpassing the previous record of 535 set by Sarah Franklin.
Key Player Contributions
- Mimi Colyer: 27 kills, record-breaking 543 kills this season.
- Charlie Fuerbringer: 61 assists, showcasing a career-high and averaging 15.25 assists per set.
- Carter Booth: 14 errorless kills, tying her career-best.
- Alicia Andrew: Effective hitting, going 7-of-9 against Stanford.
- Una Vajagic: Achieved her 10th double-double of the season with 13 kills and 11 digs.
Wisconsin’s victory improved their record to 27-4. They have been on a remarkable streak, achieving a perfect 10-0 since Fuerbringer’s return from injury.
Upcoming Match Against Texas
The upcoming match marks the second encounter between Wisconsin and Texas this season. In their first meeting during the Opening Spike Classic on August 31, Texas emerged victorious. Historically, Texas holds a 6-4 advantage over Wisconsin. This match is particularly significant as it represents the first postseason clash between the two teams since the NCAA National Championship Semifinal in Tampa, Florida, back in 2023.
Coaching Insights
Head coach Kelly Sheffield expressed confidence in his team’s growth throughout the season. He emphasized the importance of confidence as they prepare for this challenging match against a formidable opponent.
Wisconsin aims to secure a spot in the NCAA Championship for the sixth time in program history, with hopes of achieving this milestone for the second time in three seasons. The upcoming match promises to be an exciting showdown with high stakes for both teams.
