MADISON, Wis. — For the first time in 20 months, the Badger volleyball team played in front of a sold-out crowd in the UW Field House. Second-ranked Wisconsin didn't disappoint, sweeping TCU 25-13, 25-15 and 25-18 on Friday night.

Freshman Julia Orzoł stole the show for Wisconsin finishing with a team-high 11 kills and three blocks in her Badger debut. The outside hitter from Olszytyn, Poland, also chipped in six digs and one service ace.

Sophomore Devyn Robinson and redshirt senior Danielle Hart followed Orzoł with eight kills apiece while veteran Dana Rettke added six kills and three blocks in only two sets.

With Wisconsin's high powered veteran offense, the Badgers were able to dominate the match, jumping out to big leads in all three sets. UW hit .407 (57 kills - 10 errors - 91 attempts) as a team while holding the Horned Frogs to .119 (26-16-84). Hart hit a match-high .700 (8-1-10) while Rettke hit .545 (6-0-11). 

Libero Lauren Barnes led the way in the back row for Wisconsin, sharing match-high honors with 10 digs, while newcomer Jocelyn Boyer added seven. Boyer recorded a career-high three service aces, leading the Badgers to a 9-0 advantage from the service line.

Senior setter Sydney Hilley finished the night with 39 assists, connecting with eight different hitters.

Wisconsin had 15 players see court time against TCU, including four first-time contributors. In addition to Orzol and Boyer, freshman Anna Smrek recorded her first career kill on an overpass while Sydney Reed saw action behind the service line.

Straight from the Field House

Head Coach Kelly Sheffield: 
"I thought defensively we were really good. We were fighting all over the place, battling to keep balls off the floor and getting good swings. We got a lot of people in and that's good stuff."

Julia Orzoł on her first match as a Badger: 
"The first thing I can say is that I love this experience. I love the atmosphere and it was so good to welcome the Badger community here after the COVID break. I love it. It's amazing being here playing with these guys and playing for these guys."

Sydney Hilley on Orzol: 
"She's an absolute baller. I think everyone saw that. She's such a valuable part of this team and I think she's fit in really smoothly. I can't believe it's only been two weeks, it feels like she's been here a lot longer than that."

Hilley on the team's passing:
"The passing was awesome tonight and they've been in there working their butts off this off-season. I think it really showed tonight and it made my job easier to be able to distribute to any of my hitters. They make me look good so all the credit to them."

Badger Notables

• Freshman Julia Orzol earned her first career start, leading all players with a match-high 11 kills. The 6-foot outside hitter hit .385 (11 kills – 1 error – 26 attempts) and added six digs, three blocks and one service ace.
• Three other newcomers also saw their first action in the Cardinal and White. Junior Joslyn Boyer played all three sets, tallying seven digs and a career-high three service aces.  Freshmen Anna Smrek played one set, tallying two kills while sophomore Sydney Reed played one set, serving once.
• Grad Lauren Barnes has recorded 10-plus digs in nine-straight matches dating back to last season after sharing match-high honors with 10 digs.
• The Badgers hit .407 (47 kills – 10 errors – 91 attempts) to start the season after hitting a school record .318 in 2020.  Wisconsin also held TCU to just .119 (26-16-84).
• Wisconsin did not give up a service aces in the match, scoring nine service aces.
• The Badgers improved to 34-14 all-time in season openers, including 14-7 at home. It marked the sixth-straight season that UW has won its season opener.
• UW has won 21 straight home matches, dating back to the 2019 season. The Badgers have not lost match in the UW Field House since falling to Washington on Sept. 19, 2019.

Up next

The Badgers continue competition in the Big Ten-Big 12 Challenge as they host No. 10 Baylor at the Field House on Saturday at 6 p.m. The match airs live on the Big Ten Network.