Wisconsin Volleyball Defeats Michigan in Four Sets Behind Record Hitting
- Wisconsin posted a .402 hitting percentage—the team's highest mark of the season—to overcome a first-set loss and finish the match 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-22.
- Wisconsin's offensive performance against Michigan marked a significant milestone, as the team hit .400 or better for the first time this season.
- I think our players have confidence, and they're working on expanding their toolbox.
Wisconsin posted a .402 hitting percentage—the team’s highest mark of the season—to overcome a first-set loss and finish the match 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-22.
Offensive efficiency at the Field House
Wisconsin’s offensive performance against Michigan marked a significant milestone, as the team hit .400 or better for the first time this season. The Badgers recorded 60 kills against 13 errors on 117 total attempts. Freshman Decelise Champion led the effort with 20 kills, marking her second consecutive match reaching that threshold. Other key contributors included Audrey Flanagan with 11 kills and senior Eva Travis, who added 10 kills while hitting at a .500 clip.
We can be an elite attacking team. I think our players have confidence, and they’re working on expanding their toolbox. There’s work that’s going on with our players and coaches.
Head Coach Kelly Sheffield
Rallying after the opening set
Michigan initially challenged the Badgers by utilizing a .519 hitting percentage to claim the first set 25-20. The Wolverines used two early 4-0 runs to establish a 15-12 lead heading into the media timeout. However, Wisconsin responded in the second frame. After Michigan mounted a 7-1 run, the Badgers countered with six consecutive points. Eva Travis provided a spark during this sequence, tallying three consecutive kills to help Wisconsin secure the second set 25-20.
The Badgers maintained this momentum through the remainder of the match. In the third set, Wisconsin hit .448 while holding Michigan to .182, leading to a 25-18 win.
"At the end of the day, we love the sport and we love to play with each other and we love to compete… that was a big thing going into this match and as we lost the first set to just remember to play for each other, play together and then the skills will come and follow."
Senior Eva Travis
Standing and streak implications
The victory extends Wisconsin’s winning streak against unranked opponents to 88 matches. The Badgers currently hold an 8-1 record when playing at the Field House this season. Individually, middle blocker Jaela Auguste contributed nine kills on 14 attempts, marking her ninth match this season hitting .400 or better.
West Coast road trip ahead
Following the win against Michigan, the Badgers shift their focus to a pair of matches in Los Angeles. Wisconsin is scheduled to face USC and UCLA starting Oct. 30, with the first serve slated for 9 p.m. and coverage available on B1G+.