Wisconsin Volleyball Defeats UCLA in Four Sets
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The No. 6 Wisconsin volleyball team showcased its strength on Saturday night, defeating UCLA in four sets with scores of 20-25, 25-15, 25-22, and 25-15. The victory marked a notable performance, with three Badgers players achieving double-figure kills, led by Sarah Franklin’s impressive 19 kills.
Wisconsin displayed an exceptional hitting percentage of .402 throughout the match, with a total of 59 kills against only eight errors. Anna Smrek contributed significantly with 16 kills, while Julia Orzol added 11. In contrast, UCLA’s Cheridyn Leverette finished with a match-high 20 kills, but the Bruins struggled, hitting only .192.
The match began with a competitive first set, where both teams exchanged leads and tied on eight occasions. However, UCLA managed to pull ahead mid-set, ultimately taking it 25-20. Wisconsin rebounded strongly in the second set, launching a 6-1 run and maintaining control to win decisively.
The third set saw both teams trading points again, with Anna Smrek’s seven kills aiding the Badgers’ narrow 25-22 win. Closing the match, Wisconsin dominated the fourth set, establishing an early lead and winning 25-15, capping off an impressive performance.
Notably, Gulce Guctekin and Lola Schumacher were sidelined due to injuries, prompting fresh players to step up. Saige Damrow, starting as libero, achieved a career-high 15 digs, and Maile Chan recorded her personal best with six digs.
Looking forward, Wisconsin will face No. 16 Minnesota at the UW Field House on Wednesday, November 20, with the match scheduled for 8 PM, broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
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Photo credit uwbadgers.com
