The No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers (15-5 Big Ten, 22-6 overall) are playing their best volleyball when it matters most. After a spectacular five-set victory on the road at No. 7 Penn State, the Badgers will head into the NCAA tournament riding a season-best six consecutive wins.
Wisconsin will host the Green Bay Phoenix (13-3 Horizon, 20-10 overall) in the first round at the UW Field House Thursday night. The Phoenix have faced just one Big Ten opponent this season and were swept 3-0 at No. 4 Minnesota. While the Badgers should have their way against a lesser opponent this weekend, especially considering their recent hot streak, the team has their sights set on advancing into the round of 16.
Wisconsin’s recent stretch of success was built after a disappointing homestand in which they lost to both Minnesota and Michigan. The team quickly regrouped, however, as the Badgers pulled off a stunning comeback after going down 2-0 to win 3-2 over No. 13 Purdue, and the team has not looked back since. Wins over Big Ten foes Indiana, Ohio State, Maryland, Rutgers and Penn State also finished off an impressive conference season for Wisconsin.
The Badgers opened the season as the No. 8 team in the nation and were able to hold up to the lofty expectations of them through the entire season. The winning streak was long enough to push the Badgers into a tie for third place with No. 11 Nebraska in the Big Ten Conference in 2018. Minnesota had a perfect 14-0 record in conference play this season to win their third Big Ten title in school history.
It’s never good to look too far ahead, but if Wisconsin takes care of business in the first few rounds, their toughest task will be No. 3 Illinois. The teams split the season series 1-1 earlier this year, but the Illini have put together a stronger resume with eight wins over ranked opponents.
Both the first and second rounds will be held at the UW Field House this weekend. UNI and Pepperdine will face off Thursday afternoon before Wisconsin plays; the winners of both games will advance to face off at 7:00 p.m. Friday night.
