Wisconsin volleyball picks up first win of season in five-set triumph over TCU

The Wisconsin Badgers’ volleyball team picked up its first victory of the season against Texas Christian University on Friday.

Wisconsin won its first set of the evening 25-15 but dropped its ensuing sets 27-29 and 21-25. With its back against the wall, UW rallied to win its final two sets 25-16 and 15-11 to erase its 0-3 start to the 2024 slate.

The match was the first of this season’s Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge. Wisconsin will square off against #23 Baylor with a chance to return to the top 5 of the AVCA rankings following the Sept. 7 bout.

All-world talent Sarah Franklin captained the Badgers’ offensive attack on Friday. Her 18 kills led the team while co-captain Devyn Robinson recorded 17 kills and Carolina Crawford added 12.

Julia Orzol, Charlie Furerbringer, Gulce Guctekin and Lola Schumacher all recorded double-digit kills as well.

Wisconsin’s uncharacteristic 0-3 start prompted early skepticism from Badger faithful. The crew did, however, face off against No. 6 Louisville, No. 1 Texas and No. 5 Stanford in its first three contests.

If UW had dropped its fourth straight to TCU, an unranked opponent, the cause for concern would be more than appropriate.

Luckily for Wisconsin, its schedule lessens in difficulty for the remainder of the season. The next marquee match arrives on Oct. 26 against the No. 8 Purdue Boilermakers.

If the Badgers can avoid losing five or more games, the team will be positioned for yet another deep playoff run with some added momentum.