The University of Wisconsin-Madison's athletic programs are in full swing as the fall sports season continues to unfold. With various teams competing and preparing for upcoming events, there’s been plenty to be excited for across all sports.
Football
The Badgers kicked off their season with a 2-1 record, winning against Western Michigan and South Dakota but suffering a 42-10 defeat to No.4 ranked Alabama before heading into their bye week on Sept. 21. The team now faces a significant setback with the loss of Miami transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who tore his ACL in the opening drive against Alabama. In his absence, Wisconsin will lean heavily on their running game, spearheaded by running backs Chez Mellusi and Cade Yacamelli. The Badgers are set to face the University of Southern California Trojans at the Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Volleyball
Following a challenging start, the volleyball team has rebounded impressively with a 6-3 record and riding a six-game winning streak. They started the season on the road with three tough losses to No.6 Louisville, No.5 Stanford and No.1 Texas. Senior hitter Sarah Franklin, the 2023 American Volleyball Coaches Association Player of the Year, continues to shine with 162 kills this season, including a career-high 33 kills against UW-Milwaukee and reaching her 1,500th career kill. Freshman setter Charlie Fuerbringer has meshed with the team nicely, leading with 328 assists and 123 digs. The No. 7 Badgers began their Big Ten conference schedule with a five-set loss against Minnesota on Sept. 25.
Men's soccer
The No.8 men's soccer team has made a strong statement with a 6-1 start to their campaign. They have some noteworthy wins, including a 4-1 victory over No.12 UCLA at home and a 1-0 away win against No.16 Kentucky. Despite a recent loss to Maryland at College Park, the team maintains a top 25 national ranking. Freshman forward Dean Boltz has been exceptional, netting eight goals and providing two assists, placing him third nationally in goals scored. The Badgers are also the nation's third-ranked offense, averaging 2.86 goals per game. Their next challenge is an away match against Washington in Seattle on Friday.
Women's soccer
The women's soccer team has also had a strong start, posting a 5-2-3 record. They've recently started their Big Ten tour with a loss to Rutgers, a draw with Illinois and a victory over Minnesota. Their only other defeat came in a tight 1-0 contest against No.3 ranked BYU in Provo. Graduate student Aryssa Mahrt has led the offensive charge with six goals and two assists, while senior Ashley Martinez tops the assist chart with three. The team is gearing up for a challenging road trip in Los Angeles. They tied UCLA on Thursday and will play USC on Sunday.
Men's cross country
The men's cross country team has hit the ground running, winning at the Badger Classic and the Big Ten Preview in Illinois. Christian de Vaal, Johnny Livingstone and Rowen Ellenberg swept the podium at the latter event, finishing first, second and third, respectively. Currently ranked No.13 nationally, the Badgers are set to host the prestigious Nuttycombe Invitational on Friday at Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course. The event will feature a star-studded field of top-ranked teams, including No. 2 BYU, No. 5 Iowa State, No. 6 North Carolina, No. 10 Stanford, No. 12 Harvard, No. 15 Virginia, No. 16 Portland, #No. 17 Villanova, No. 18 Princenton, No. 19 Syracuse, No. 20 Wake Forest, No. 21 Colorado, No. 22 Oregon and No. 25 Montana State.
Women's cross country
The women's cross country team has secured back-to-back second-place finishes at the Badger Classic and Big Ten Preview. Senior Lindsay Cunningham earned the Big Ten Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Week honor for her stellar performance at the Big Ten Preview, where she placed first in her debut with a time of 19 minutes and 54 seconds over the 6K course. Ranked No.19 nationally, the team will compete in the 2024 Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational on Friday.
Men's golf
The team has participated in two events, notably placing eighth at Purdue. Junior Jacob Beckman achieved a career-best 5-under par, finishing as runner-up. The Badgers are hosting the Badger Fall Invitational this weekend at University Ridge Golf Course.
Women's golf
The team secured fifth place at the Badger Invitational and eighth at the Schooner Fall Classic hosted by Oklahoma. Senior Carly Carter tied for 19th at Oklahoma, finishing even after two rounds.
Upcoming start dates
- Men's and Women's Tennis: Milwaukee Tennis Classic on Friday
- Women's Lightweight Rowing: Oct. 5 in Oklahoma City in the “Head of the Oklahoma”
- Men's Hockey: Exhibition match against Omaha on Oct. 5 in Omaha
- Women's Swim and Dive: Oct. 11 versus Green Bay
- Men's Swim and Dive: Oct. 18 at Michigan
- Men's Rowing: Oct. 22 in Boston, MA, to compete in the “Head of the Charles”
- Women's Basketball: Stevens Point on Oct. 29 (Exhibition)
- Men's Basketball: UW-River Falls on Oct. 30
- Men's Wrestling: Ohio University on Nov. 1 in La Crosse, WI
- Men's and Women's Track & Field: BU on Dec. 2
- Women's Hockey: Friday against Lindenwood
- Women's Softball: Playing Valparaiso on Saturday in an off-season matchup
