Badgers women’s volleyball notches win over Marquette

(UW ATHLETICS) –  The Wisconsin volleyball team kicked off its spring season with a 3-1 victory over in-state rival Marquette (25-13, 18-25, 25-22, 25-21) at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee on Monday night. 

The Badgers spread the wealth on the offensive end throughout, as freshman Madison Quest led the way with 10 kills. Newcomers Jaela Auguste and Halle Thompson each chipped in nine apiece, while Eva Travis tallied eight. UW ended the match with a hitting percentage of .278 (57 – 20 – 133), while the Golden Eagles concluded with a .135 line (44 – 26 – 133). Wisconsin accumulated 46 assists on the night, led by the likes of setter Charlie Fuerbringer, who racked up a team-high 29. Defensively, libero Kristen Simon provided 17 digs on the evening as well. 

UW got off to a quick start in Milwaukee, led by middle blockers Auguste and Natalie Wardlow. The two combined for eight kills on nine attempts—swinging .777 to pace the Badgers to a 25-13 set one victory. The Badgers hit .500 during the set as a team, tallying 14 kills on 11 assists. 

The Golden Eagles provided a quick response, battling back with a 25-18 set two win to even the match at 1-1. 

Each team went back-and-forth during the latter half of the match, as Wisconsin provided a strong answer in set three to take a 2-1 lead into the fourth. Thompson found her rhythm, earning five kills on 11 swings in the frame. 

Behind a strong serving run from Auguste and a quality effort on the defensive end in set four, the Badgers pushed past the Golden Eagles to wrap up their first action of the spring—winning 25-21. 

UW finished with 10 blocks on the defensive end in comparison to Marquette’s six. 

Up Next: The Badgers will continue their Tour of Wisconsin on Friday, April 10, at The Sonnentag in Eau Claire, where they are set to take on Minnesota. First serve is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT.