Wisconsin women’s volleyball (11-4, 5-0) is ranked No. 7 in the most recent American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll after a four-set conference win over Minnesota and a three-set sweep over Illinois. The win over the two Big Ten Conference teams extends the Badgers’ current seven-game win streak.
This significant stretch of triumphs is key to Wisconsin’s confidence and chances of success when they meet Nebraska on Oct. 10. Nebraska volleyball has remained a dominant force in the collegiate volleyball world.
The Cornhuskers are currently undefeated this season and have yet to move below the No. 1 rank.
Player Overview
Wisconsin will need an effective game plan to stifle the talented senior class of Nebraska. Skilled players such as Setter Bergen Reilly, Middle Blocker Andi Jackson, Defensive Specialist Laney Choboy and Outside Hitter Harper Murray will be a tough storm to weather.
Reilly is the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year and has earned Big Ten Setter of the Year every season since she started as a freshman. Both Jackson and Murray have received numerous accolades, including AVCA All-American First Team in the 2025 season.
But the Badgers are not without their own powerhouse of players. Star Setter Charlie Fuerbringer has made a huge impact on the program. Entering her junior year, Fuerbringer is serving her second year as captain, alongside Senior Grace Egan and Junior Morgan Van Wie.
In the most recent game against Minnesota, Fuerbringer entered the top ten for career assists in Wisconsin volleyball history. Also against the Gophers, Kristen Simon reached 500 career digs as a sophomore.
The backbone of the success for the Badgers is largely composed of freshmen. Audrey Flanagan leads the team in kills and aces. Anna Bardaro, who currently leads the team in digs for the season, serves as the primary libero, along with a few appearances from Simon.
Wisconsin also added Decelise Champion, who joined the team at just 16-years-old. Even with a late start to the season, Champion is second in blocking behind freshman Lynney Tarnow.
Midwest Tension
There is little doubt the young Badger team is gearing up for the match against Nebraska. The two teams have a history of fierce competition. In 2021, the rivals clashed in the NCAA Championship game when Wisconsin defeated Nebraska in five sets to win their first-ever national title.
From 2011 up until their last match in 2025, the Badgers and Cornhuskers are tied with 13 wins and 13 losses each between the programs. Moreover, the last ten matchups remain equal, meaning that this upcoming game will decide who takes the upper hand in this Midwest battle.
Wisconsin has a four-game losing streak against Nebraska, with hopes to change that this coming Saturday. Although the Badgers will step onto the court in Lincoln as underdogs, they triumphed over challenging competitors this week and are riding the successful momentum of their past two conference wins.
With long travel ahead and no home-court advantage, the Badgers may find these next two away games a struggle — not to mention, lacking Wisconsin’s passionate fanbase that usually emanates from the Fieldhouse.
However, regarding the Minnesota game, Wisconsin Head Coach Kelly Sheffield noted, “I was not expecting a whole lot of Badger fans in here. It’s a Sunday night, and they’ve got quite a drive back tomorrow, but this fan base travels well.” It is likely that Wisconsin’s dedicated fans may join them on the road for these next two matches.
Game Plan
The major difference between Wisconsin and Nebraska comes down to chemistry and experience. While Nebraska has had the past few years to hone in on their connection, Wisconsin is less fortunate as this season is the first for many young Badger players. If the Wisconsin freshman can continue to handle the immense pressure and step up to the plate when it matters most, the Cornhuskers could meet their first loss.
Another essential component to success for Wisconsin will be limiting the number of unforced hitting errors. As of right now, the Badgers have made more attacking errors than their opponent.
In other categories, Wisconsin is sitting well with fewer serving, receiving and blocking errors than the other teams they’ve faced. When asked about the upcoming Nebraska game, Sheffield remarked, “These guys might be playing at a higher level than just about anybody else, but we haven’t been playing a bunch of cream puffs.”
Nebraska will be the toughest game yet of the season for the Badgers, filled with many learning opportunities and new experiences for younger players. Wisconsin will have to work hard and stay determined in order to pull off the first win in three years against the Cornhuskers.
Tune in to this thrilling event between Wisconsin and Nebraska on Oct. 10 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.
