The No. 15 Wisconsin volleyball team (14-6 Big Ten, 23-8 overall) defeated Michigan (10-10, 16-14) and Michigan State (11-9, 19-11) Friday and Saturday, clinching a share of second place (with Penn State) in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin traveled to Wolverine territory and took four games to take the match, 30-26, 24-30, 30-27 and 35-33. The Badgers presented a well-balanced, strong team, as five players had double-figure kills. Sophomore outside hitter Jill Odenthal recorded 17, senior outside hitter Erin Byrd had 16, senior middle blocker Amy Hultgren and freshman middle blocker Sheila Shaw had 12 each and freshman outside hitter Aubrey Meierotto had 10.
Wisconsin's defense also performed well, as junior outside hitter Lisa Zukowski had 18 digs while junior setter Morgan Shields and junior libero Jill Maier had 11 each. Shields also had 59 assists.
Saturday the Badgers continued to dominate in Michigan, this time sweeping Michigan State 30-24, 30-19 and 30-27. Zukowski led the team with 14 digs and Byrd recorded 10 digs and 16 kills. Wisconsin will next face Alabama A&M (24-7 overall) at home Dec. 6 and 7.
