Wisconsin Badgers
University of Minnesota
Setting the Stage: Ready for a Border Battle
September 24, 2024 | Volleyball
Badgers travel to Minnesota for Big Ten opener
| Venue | Maturi Pavilion |
| Radio | 100.5 ESPN Madison |
| Match Notes | Wisconsin | Minnesota |
| Live Stats | Statbroadcast |
| Watch: Big Ten Network | Wisconsin at Minnesota |
| Social Media | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |
| Tickets | SeatGeek |
MADISON, Wis. — The No. 7 Wisconsin volleyball team will begin Big Ten play at No. 16 Minnesota on Wednesday night. The match is slated to begin at 8 pm and will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network.
1. LAST TIME OUT: After starting out the season 0-3, the Badgers are now on a six-match win streak, taking care of business at home this weekend with two sweeps at the Wisconsin Invite. On Friday night, the Badgers executed a balanced offensive attack, as Anna Smrek led the way with 10 kills en route to a 25-18, 25-13, 25-14 sweep. The following night, Wisconsin fended off five Aggie set points in the second set to take it 30-28. The Badgers carried that momentum to the finish, sweeping Texas A&M 25-18, 30-28, 25-19.
2. LAND OF OZ: From outside hitter to libero and back to outside hitter, senior Julia Orzol has settled back to the pin nicely. For the week of Sept. 16, Orzol tallied 32 kills with an average of 320 kills/set, while adding 2.50 digs/set and .67 blocks/set. The Polish queen had a season-best against Texas A&M with 15 kills on 32 swings (15-3-32) for a .375 hitting percentage.
3. GOAT STATUS: On Friday, September 20 against Troy, Sarah Franklin attained the 500 career digs milestone to reach the 1,500 kills and 500 digs care milestone.
4. QUEEN OF ACES: Fifth year senior Devyn Robinson ranks third on the team with seven aces and trails both Julia Orzol and Gulce Gucetkin who lead the team with 11. Before this season, Robinson never served and recorded her first service ace of her career against Stanford on Sept. 2.
5. ANOTHER WEEK, ANOTHER POLL: No movement for the Badgers this week, as they remain at No. 7 in the polls. Pitt is still sitting at No. 1, as they are yet to drop a set this season. Nebraska has moved up to number two after sweeping Stanford and Louisville. Other Big Ten teams in the Top 10 include Penn State (No. 4) and Purdue (No. 10). Big Ten newcomer, Oregon, is knocking on the door, checking in at No. 11.
6. YOU & ME GOT A WHOLE LOTTA HISTORY: Wisconsin and Minnesota have an iconic history. The two teams have met 92 times in which Minnesota leads 53-38 overall. Since the Kelly Sheffield era, however, the Badgers are 11-10 and have won 8 out of the last 10 matches. Both teams have gone on significant win streaks with Minnesota going on a 10-match win streak from 1983-1988, while Wisconsin's longest win streak over the Gophers has been six. No. 16 Minnesota currently holds a 7-3 record, with a key win over Texas when they were ranked No. 1. Setter Melani Staffmaster has been named to the AVCA Player of the Year Watch List.
