WISCONSIN TAKES HOME THEIR FIRST NCAA GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIOINSHIP

 By: Demi Sedereas

                                                                    Photo By: ESPN

Wisconsin won the NCAA girl’s volleyball championship in a 5 set thriller against Nebraska on Saturday, December 21. 

Nebraska’s key players were 6 foot MB Kayla Caffey with 10 amazing digs in the 1st set, Madi Kubik with 19 kills, Nicklin Hames with 56 assists and 23 digs, Keeani Lei Akana with 24 digs, and Lauren Stivrins 6 blocks.

Wisconsin’s key players 6’8” Dana Rettke was voted best player in the nation ending her career game with 14 blocks and 11 kills. Sydney Hilley All American, 3 time Big Ten setter of the year had 51 assists. Anna Smrek with 14 kills, Lauren Barnes 31 digs, Devyn Robinson 10 blocks, and Sophomore Jade Demps with 12 kills.

"Everything feels brand new," said freshman Julia Orzol. "But with this group, I feel confident to play as they said,” Wisconsin Public Radio. 

Starting Middle Danielle Hart tore her ACL leaving the Badger’s alone during the biggest game of the season. Touch was called on a block from Wisconsin by Nebraska, there was no touch Wisconsin got the points.  

Nebraska outside hitter Madi Kubik was constantly hitting down the line making Wisconsin unable to defend her. Cornhuskers also had tough serves and kept a strong defense throughout the game. The Badgers had great sets and a fast moving defense. 

“We’re trying to find a lineup. Some of our older players struggled last week. We got to give these guys a chance. We got to the point where we settled on a lineup, so we’re trying to give these guys a chance to play through if it doesn’t go well. And Stanford was a good opportunity to do that on the road,” John Cook, Nebraska head coach, Journal notes.

Wisconsin has a record of 31-3 for the 2021 volleyball season. They have been runner up for the NCAA title in 2019 and 2013. This is the first time Wisconcin got the NCAA championship title. 

Nebraska had a record of 26-8 for their 2021 volleyball season. Nebraska has one the NCAA championship title in 2017, 2016, 2006, 2000, and 1995. They were runner up for the title in 2021, 2018, 2005, 1989, and 1986. 

In the NCAA volleyball championship Nebraska won the first set 25-22, second set was 31-29 Wisconsin, third set 25-23 Wisconsin, and the fourth set was 25-23 Nebraska. After a close four sets the Badgers came through in the fifth set ending the game at 15-12 taking home the Women’s NCAA Volleyball Championship Title.