Serving up six: Volleyball hosts intrasquad scrimmage Saturday

MADISON, Wis. -- Fans get their first look at the 2022 Wisconsin volleyball team on Saturday when the Badgers host their annual Red vs. White scrimmage in the UW Field House. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the match starting at noon. Admission is free.

Here are six things to look for this season.

1. TOP RANKINGS AGAIN: Wisconsin is ranked third in the AVCA Preseason poll released Monday. Big Ten foe Nebraska leads the preseason ranking after finishing as the national runner-up to the Badgers in 2021. Texas comes in second in the overall rankings but received three-more first-place votes than the Huskers. Wisconsin picked up 12 first-place votes while No. 4 Louisville earned one first-place vote.

The Badgers were also selected as the preseason favorite to earn its fourth consecutive Big Ten title, according to the 2022 Big Ten preseason coaches poll announced Aug. 1.

2. PRESEASON HONORS: Wisconsin had three players named to the 15-person Big Ten preseason all-conference team -— redshirt sophomore outside hitter Sarah Franklin, junior middle blocker/right side Devyn Robinson and sophomore middle blocker/right side Anna Smrek.

3. LOTS OF NEW FACES: UW returns three starters and 11 letterwinners while adding six newcomers, including four transfers. Returning starters are Julia Orzol, Devyn Robinson, and Anna Smrek while Danielle Hart is a 2020 starter and Jade Demps started seven matches last season.

Leading the list of transfers are Caroline Crawford, a two-time All-Big 12 honoree from Kansas; Sarah Franklin, a 2021 All-Big Ten selection from Michigan State; and Shanel Bramschreiber, the 2020 Big 12 Libero of the Year from Baylor.

Wisconsin returns 52% (566 of 1084) of its kills, 63% (59 of 93) of its service aces, 41% (476 of 1146) of its digs, and 42% (148 of 196.5) of its blocks.

4. SETTER, SETTER WHO'S GOT THE SETTER? One of the biggest questions of the season is who will take over for five-year starter Sydney Hilley at setter.

Senior Izzy Ashburn has played the last three years as a defensive specialist and serving specialist, leading the Badgers in service aces each season. Junior MJ Hammill has seen limited playing time but in her only career start, led UW to a 3-1 win at No. 5 Minnesota in 2020. With two unproven but talented setters, Wisconsin could also run a 6-2 offense this season.

5. OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN: Fifth-year senior Danielle Hart, senior Izzy Ashburn and junior MJ Hammill will serve as team captains for 2022. Each will be serving as a captain for the first time in their careers.

6. TOUGH SCHEDULE AHEAD: The Badgers have a tough schedule in 2022, playing 13 matches against teams ranked among the top 25 in the 2022 preseason AVCA poll.

During the non-conference season, Wisconsin faces No. 11 Kentucky, No. 15 Florida, No. 16 Baylor and receiving votes Marquette. In Big Ten play, Wisconsin will play 12 matches against teams ranked or receiving votes in the preseason poll.

Serving up six: Volleyball hosts intrasquad scrimmage Saturday

Players Mentioned

Izzy Ashburn

CC Crawford

Jade Demps

Sarah Franklin

MJ Hammill

Danielle Hart

Sydney Hilley

Julia Orzol

Devyn Robinson

Anna Smrek

University of Wisconsin Athletics