BEAVER DAM, Wis. — In its first match since winning the NCAA championship in December, the Wisconsin volleyball team kicked off its spring season on Tuesday night in a neutral match against Green Bay at Beaver Dam High School. The Badgers swept the Phoenix in front of a sold-out crowd 25-14, 25-17, 25-23. 

The Badgers showcased a new lineup full of old and new faces as they attempt to replace a number of valuable graduates from last year's championship team. 

As a team, the Badgers hit .195 (34 kills - 17 errors - 87 attempts) while holding Green Bay to a negative .011 hitting percentage (22-23-95).

Anna Smrek led the team with 11 kills while hitting a team-high .600 (11-2-15). Devyn Robinson followed hitting .556 (6-1-9). 

Behind the service line, Wisconsin scored on nine aces with Green Bay getting seven past the Badgers. Julia Orzoł led the team with four aces while Joslyn Boyer tallied three of her own. Liz Gregorski and MJ Hammill were both able to collect a point from behind the line, each taking home an ace. 

Izzy Ashburn looked right at home running the Badger offense for the first time in her career, and in doing so put up 18 assists in the first two sets. MJ Hammil also played setter during the match, walking away with nine assists in the third set. 

Defensively, the Badgers out-blocked the Phoenix 11-7. Robinson led the team with six blocks, including two solos, while Smrek and Kansas transfer Caroline Crawford added five apiece.

Boyer started at libero for Wisconsin, recording a team-high 15 digs. Orzoł took over at libero in the third set, recording 10 digs in the match as the Badgers overwhelmed the Phoenix, 48-32, in digs.

A fourth set was also played, which Wisconsin easily took 25-11. 

Up Next

The Badgers play their second match of the spring season on Saturday when Illinois-Chicago comes to the UW Field House. Doors open at 5 p.m. for this free match with first serve at 6 p.m.