Wisconsin volleyball opened up their 2026 season in Milwaukee Aug. 21 - 22, competing in the AVCA First Serve Showcase. The Badgers fell short in their highly anticipated matchup against Kentucky, losing all three sets.
The two teams last met in the 2025 NCAA semifinal, where the Wildcats came out on top, taking three of five sets to earn a spot in the NCAA Championship. Kentucky is now 6-4 all time against Wisconsin.
“It’s obviously a tough loss,” Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield said after the match. “Both teams throwing haymakers, and they were able to land the last one.”
The Badgers trailed closely behind the Wildcats in most of the first set. The set was highlighted by back-to-back kills from senior outside hitter Eva Travis, cutting Kentucky’s lead to one.
Kentucky maintained their momentum, preventing Wisconsin from pulling ahead and closing out the first set 25-20.
Wisconsin responded in set two, with multiple kills from junior middle blocker Jaela Auguste. Both teams fought back and forth, but Kentucky was able to pull through at the end with a pair of kills from Lizzie Carr, sealing the set 26-24.
The Badgers were not able to recover in the third set, as the Wildcats stayed in control throughout the remainder of the match. Kentucky’s defense stayed strong, earning 10 blocks and 45 digs by the end of the match while holding the Badgers to a .186 hitting percentage.
Kentucky secured the sweep, finishing the third set 25-18. Travis continued to make an impact offensively for the Badgers, leading the team in total kills (13) on the night.
Freshman Lynney Tarnow made her debut as a Badger during the tournament. The middle blocker had an immediate impact, earning eight kills on 14 attempts. Anna Bardaro also made her Badger debut, playing all three sets and wearing the libero jersey in the third.
Wisconsin quickly bounced back from their loss against Kentucky, taking down Louisville in all three sets on Aug 22.
Both teams battled back and forth early in the first set. A pair of kills from outside hitter Audrey Flanagan allowed the Badgers to begin to pull away, and the freshman continued her strong offensive performance through the night, ending the day with 13 kills.
The Badgers’ front row took over, with Travis and Auguste both earning eight kills of their own throughout the match.
Flanagan finished the first set with a kill, ending the set 25-18.
Wisconsin jumped out to an early lead in the second set, carrying through their offensive momentum. Louisville created some tension, going on a 7-2 run to close in on the Badger’s lead putting them within three.
The Badgers’ offense continued to push after a timeout, with kills from Flanagan and Auguste helping restore their momentum. The team continued their offensive attack, taking set two 25-20.
Wisconsin continued to power throughout, going on a 7-2 run to start off the third set. The team stayed strong on the service line, recording four of their eight total service aces in set three.
The Badgers stayed ahead for the rest of the match. A Louisville service error ended the third set 25-18, allowing the Badgers to complete the sweep and tally their first win of the season.
Wisconsin completely turned their offensive around after their season opener, managing to earn 47 kills on the night, with a .327 hitting percentage.
With nine freshmen on the roster, the young Badgers will face plenty of tough competition throughout the 2026 season. After dropping their first game, the team has shown their ability to respond by staying strong offensively.
Wisconsin will head to Pittsburgh next weekend to take on No. 5 Stanford on Friday and No. 4 Pittsburgh on Saturday.
