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It was another night to remember for Wisconsin volleyball, and another chapter in their growing rivalry with Marquette, as the No. 7 Badgers rolled to a straight-set sweep (25-15, 25-14, 25-18) at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night. In front of 10,020 fans, most clad in red despite the Golden Eagles’ rowdy student section, the Badgers extended their winning streak to five consecutive sweeps.
Wisconsin wasted no time establishing dominance. The Badgers had just two hitting errors through the first two sets and forced Marquette into long rallies without a single ace all match. Big Ten and AVCA National Player of the Week Mimi Colyer led the charge again, tallying 13 kills on an efficient .550 hitting percentage, while transfer Grace Egan chipped in nine kills at .429 and Una Vajagic, the international outside hitter, added eight at .357.
Even in Marquette’s best moments, like a late third-set run that pulled them within striking distance, Wisconsin had an answer. Between Colyer’s firepower, Egan’s timely swings, and a scrappy defensive effort led by standout freshman libero Kristen Simon, the Badgers looked every bit the top-10 team their ranking suggests. And the Fiserv Forum crowd, used to hosting some of Milwaukee’s biggest basketball moments, turned into a volleyball showcase yet again. Here are 17 of our favorite photos from Wisconsin’s sweep against Marquette at the Fiserv Forum:
1. Fired up from the start
Charlie Fuerbringer (#24), Alicia Andrew (#17), and Mimi Colyer (#15) stand
tall in front of flames during Marquette’s player introductions, setting the tone
for the rivalry match.
2. First point, first celly
Outside hitter Una Vajagic (#1), the redshirt sophomore from Serbia,
celebrates after scoring the match’s opening point.
3. Mimi in flight
Mimi Colyer (#15) soars above Marquette’s front line for one of her 13 kills on
the night, hitting an impressive .550.
4. Courtside club
Freshman libero Kristen Simon (#7) nearly crashes into the fans as she keeps
a rally alive, proof of why she’s considered one of the nation’s best young
defensive players.
5. Up and over
Transfer outside hitter Grace Egan (#32) shows off her hops as she prepares
to unload a kill in the opening set.
6. Coach’s call
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield signals instructions to his server,
orchestrating the Badgers’ efficient attack.
7. Setting the tone
Charlie Fuerbringer (#24), already considered one of the country’s top setters,
runs the Badger offense with poise and precision.
8. Ready position
Grace Egan (#32) locks in at the service line, awaiting a teammate’s serve.
9. Hometown connection
Marquette’s Adriana Studer, a Wisconsin native, steadies herself for a serve as
the Golden Eagles search for rhythm.
10. Double trouble
Alicia Andrew (#17) and Charlie Fuerbringer (#24) team up for a monster
block at the net, halting Marquette’s attack.
11. Point Badgers!
Charlie Fuerbringer (#24) celebrates as Wisconsin continued to control the
match.
12. Senior strength
Ella Holmstrom (#16), the 6’1” outside hitter from Rockford, Illinois, brings veteran leadership to Marquette’s lineup.
13. Pure emotion
Grace Egan (#32) celebrates a huge kill during the third set, punctuating her
nine-kill performance.
14. Making it count
Sometimes a mistake turns into magic, Egan (#32) and her teammates
celebrate after her overpass somehow results in a Badger point.
15. Golden Eagles answer back
Marquette’s Natalie Ring, a Madison native, rallies her squad with emotion as
MU strings together a late run in the third set.
16. Almost there
With the sweep in sight, Mimi Colyer (#15) raises her arms in triumph late in
the third set.
17. Finishing touch
Wisconsin celebrates match point, sealing the 3-0 sweep and extending its
winning streak to five consecutive sweeps.
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