Bardaro Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
September 07, 2026 | Volleyball
Badger libero earns first-career conference weekly award
MADISON, Wis. – Anna Bardaro of the Wisconsin volleyball team has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for her performances last week, announced by the Big Ten Monday afternoon.
The Montebelluna, Italy native recorded back-to-back double-digit dig performances in Wisconsin's victories over No. 17 Florida and Auburn during the inaugural Big Ten/SEC Challenge. Bardaro tied a career-best 19 digs in the five set thriller over the Gators. She'd last recorded 19 digs against Stanford on August 28.
The 5-foot-10 libero followed-up the 19-dig performance with 17 digs the next night in a 3-0 sweep over Auburn. She also tallied her first-career kill against the Tigers. Bardaro's defensive efforts helped the Badgers limit the Auburn offense to a .196 hitting efficiency.
Bardaro averaged 4.50 digs per set and added five assists in eight sets.
Wisconsin will hit the road to the Lone Star State this week with matches against the defending National Champions, No. 19 Texas A&M Friday, followed by a re-match of last season's NCAA Regional Finals matchup against No. 9 Texas.
The Montebelluna, Italy native recorded back-to-back double-digit dig performances in Wisconsin's victories over No. 17 Florida and Auburn during the inaugural Big Ten/SEC Challenge. Bardaro tied a career-best 19 digs in the five set thriller over the Gators. She'd last recorded 19 digs against Stanford on August 28.
The 5-foot-10 libero followed-up the 19-dig performance with 17 digs the next night in a 3-0 sweep over Auburn. She also tallied her first-career kill against the Tigers. Bardaro's defensive efforts helped the Badgers limit the Auburn offense to a .196 hitting efficiency.
Bardaro averaged 4.50 digs per set and added five assists in eight sets.
Wisconsin will hit the road to the Lone Star State this week with matches against the defending National Champions, No. 19 Texas A&M Friday, followed by a re-match of last season's NCAA Regional Finals matchup against No. 9 Texas.
Players Mentioned
L/DS
/ VolleyballWednesday, September 02
Tuesday, August 25
Friday, August 21
Wednesday, June 24
