Nebraska Huskers Dominate Wisconsin Badgers in NCAA Volleyball Clash
When Nebraska volleyball meets Wisconsin volleyball, it’s a spectacle no true fan can ignore. In a thrilling NCAA Regional Final, the No. 1 Nebraska Huskers defeated the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers in straight sets, 26-24, 25-17, 25-21. This victory marked Nebraska’s third win over Wisconsin this season, cementing their dominance and delivering a heartbreaking blow to Badger fans.
For Wisconsin, Sarah Franklin led the team with 12 kills, but the Badgers struggled offensively with only 38 total kills and 22 errors, hitting just 126. On the Nebraska side, Taylor Landfair topped the match with 13 kills, helping the Huskers achieve a superior hitting percentage of.210 (42-17-119).
A Match of Momentum Shifts
The match began with intense back-and-forth action, as both teams aimed to assert their dominance early. Wisconsin came out strong, with Gulce Guctekin delivering a 4-0 service run that featured kills and blocks from Julia Orzol. The Badgers pulled ahead 11-7, but Nebraska quickly retaliated with a triple block off a Franklin attack to regain momentum.
Nebraska maintained their composure, taking the second set convincingly by 10 points. Although Wisconsin mounted a comeback attempt in the third set, Nebraska’s relentless energy and teamwork secured a 25-21 victory, closing out the match in style.
Post-Match Fallout: Wisconsin Faces Transfer Portal Losses
Following their tough loss to Nebraska, the Wisconsin Badgers now face additional challenges. Multiple players have entered the transfer portal, drawing comparisons to Purdue’s similar struggles earlier in the season.
Abby Barmore, a writer for Husker Online and On3Sports, shared a significant update on December 17 via X (formerly Twitter). She reposted an announcement from College VBall Transfers, revealing that Saige Damrow, a libero from Wisconsin, had entered the portal. Abby’s caption highlighted another surprising departure: “Damrow is the second Badger DS to enter the transfer portal, joining Gulce Guctekin.”
Yes, you read that right—Guctekin has also entered the transfer portal, leaving Wisconsin in a precarious position.
Nebraska’s Energy Proves Unstoppable
Nebraska’s ability to sustain energy and capitalize on key moments was evident throughout the match. While Wisconsin showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly in the first and third sets, their inability to maintain consistency against the Huskers’ formidable defense and offense was their undoing.
Taylor Landfair once again demonstrated why she is a key player for Nebraska, delivering crucial points when it mattered most. Her performance, along with Nebraska’s collective effort, solidified their place as the team to beat this season.
Wisconsin’s Next Steps
For Wisconsin, the road ahead will be challenging. The loss to Nebraska exposed weaknesses in their game, and the departure of key players like Damrow and Guctekin adds further uncertainty to their future. Rebuilding the roster and addressing their offensive inefficiencies will be top priorities as they prepare for the next season.
Meanwhile, Nebraska marches forward, eyeing a potential championship with confidence and momentum on their side.
The Nebraska-Wisconsin rivalry continues to deliver high-stakes, electrifying volleyball. While Nebraska celebrates their dominance, Wisconsin must regroup and rebuild after a season-ending loss and a series of unexpected roster changes. With both programs remaining powerhouses in college volleyball, fans can look forward to more epic clashes in the seasons to come.
