Wisconsin volleyball earns exhibition match victory in first action of 2024 season

The Wisconsin Badgers’ volleyball program previewed its 2024 season with a strong showing on Tuesday.

With six newcomers in its lineup, Wisconsin swept Bradley 25-17, 25-22, 25-14 in an exhibition match before a packed crowd at UW’s Field House.

As members of its starting lineup, freshmen Charlie Fuerbringer (setter) and Trinity Shadd-Ceres helped UW generate an 11-4 scoring surge to close out Bradley in its first set.

Bradley captured a lead early in the second set, but momentous plays from CC Crawford and Devyn Robinson pushed UW ahead 25-22 late. The Badgers would cruise to an 11-tally triumph in the third set through a balanced offensive attack.

Middle blocker Carter Booth recorded 12 kills, all-world outside hitter Sarah Franklin chipped in with 10 kills and Shadd-Ceres followed with nine kills in her collegiate debut.

“It feels good to be back with the girls,” Franklin told UWBadgers.com. “Everyday in practice we are getting closer and closer and I think getting to play against another team really just puts into perspective the amount of work we are able to put in and it just feels great being back.”

Wisconsin will begin its regular season against No. 6 University of Louisville at KFC Yum! Center on Aug. 27.

With team captains Franklin, Robinson and Julia Orzol at the helm, Wisconsin will look to capture its fifth AIAW/NCAA Tournament semifinal in six years after losing to Texas in the Final Four last spring.

The Badgers recently landed at No. 3 spot in the 2024 Preseason American Volleyball Coaches Association top 25 rankings and enter this slate as one of the most viable contenders across the collegiate landscape.

Wisconsin will face Texas in an effort to avenge its semifinal defeat on Sept. 1 in Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum.