Undefeated Wisconsin go for 15th win against Illinois

One of three undefeated teams in the Big Ten women’s volleyball conference, defending champions Wisconsin will try to extend their winning streak in the season on Saturday, at the conclusion of the third week of conference matches.

Following victories over Northwestern, Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa, the Badgers will make the trip to Urbana-Champaign, to face Illinois, at 18:00 local time (23:00 UTC), in a match that will be streamed live to VBTV subscribers around the world.

• Watch the Big Ten Volleyball matches live on VBTV.

Wisconsin are yet to drop a set in conference play this season and continued their winning streak on Wednesday, when they swept Iowa on the road with 13 points (nine kills, three blocks, one ace) from senior outside hitter Sarah Franklin and 12 (nine kills, three blocks) from senior opposite Devyn Robinson.

The Badgers also trust their strong serving to continue to win matches in the season.

“This team has such a great mentality, not only with serving but with everything,” said sophomore outside hitter Ella Wrobel. “I think that once we go back on that service line, we are just focused on that serve. There is nothing else that's distracting us. And I think just having the confidence within ourselves and within our teammates is something that has helped us stay consistent with that.”

Transfer middle blocker Carter Booth has also been a key piece for Wisconsin this year. The sophomore, who delivered four kills and four blocks against Iowa, was selected as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week last week, when she produced 13 blocks in two matches.

Illinois also got on the court on Wednesday, but had a different outcome, falling to Purdue in straight sets. The Fighting Illini have a 7-8 win record for the season and have two wins and three losses in conference play.

With 12 kills and four blocks, senior outside hitter Raina Terry was one of Illinois’ strongest performers against Purdue, alongside sophomore setter Brooke Mosher, who had 25 assists and seven digs.

Another 12 Big Ten matches will be played between Friday and Saturday and two of them will be streamed live to VBTV subscribers around the world, both on Friday, at 19:00 local time (23:00 UTC) – Rutgers vs. Ohio State and Penn State vs. Indiana.

Quick links:
Big Ten Volleyball
VBTV
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Subscribe to Volleyball World's Newsletter