Wisconsin Volleyball Dominates Iowa in Straight Sets, Colyer Breaks Program Record
Wisconsin’s No. 10-ranked volleyball team closed out its home regular season schedule with a decisive victory over Iowa, winning in straight sets (25-17, 25-15, 25-19) on Senior Day. The Badgers (22-4, 15-3) extended their winning streak to seven matches, fueled by a season-best offensive performance against the Hawkeyes (14-16, 5-13).
Badgers Showcase Offensive Prowess
Wisconsin’s attack proved unstoppable, posting an impressive .510 hitting percentage (61 kills on 102 attempts with only 9 errors). This marks the third-highest hitting percentage in a three-set match in program history, surpassing the .488 recorded against Georgia Tech on September 12th. It also represents the highest hitting percentage against a Big Ten opponent this season.
The offensive onslaught was led by outside hitter Mimi Colyer, who delivered a standout performance, particularly in the first set. Colyer registered 10 kills in the opening frame, powering the Badgers to a 25-17 win. Sophomore Trinity Shadd-Ceres sealed the first set with a crucial kill, while right side Grace Egan and middle blocker Carter Booth each contributed four kills.
Dominating Runs and Defensive Strength
After a brief Iowa response in the second set, the Badgers seized control with an 8-0 service run orchestrated by outside hitter Una Vajagic. During this run, Colyer added four more kills and a block, building a commanding 16-8 advantage. Wisconsin never relinquished the lead, closing out the second set with kills from both Egan and Vajagic.
The Badgers continued their momentum in the third set, jumping to a 6-2 lead with kills from middle blocker Alicia Andrew and Colyer. A series of 3-0 runs throughout the set ultimately secured the victory, with Booth finishing the match with a kill in her final home appearance at the UW Field House. Booth finished with eight kills on a .583 hitting percentage.
Colyer Makes History, Fuerbringer Shines
Colyer continued to dominate offensively, recording 23 kills on 38 attempts with zero errors. This performance not only propelled the Badgers to victory but also saw her surpass former Badger great Sarah Franklin’s record for most kills in a Big Ten season. Colyer now boasts 312 kills in conference play, exceeding Franklin’s previous mark of 308. This marks the ninth time this season Colyer has reached 20 or more kills in a single match.
Egan joined Colyer in double-digit kill totals, adding 12 kills and nine digs. Setter Charlie Fuerbringer orchestrated the offense with precision, delivering a double-double with 49 assists and 10 digs – a season-best in a three-set match. The Badgers also tied a program record for most assists in a three-set match, totaling 59, a feat last achieved against Rutgers in 2016.
Defensively, Vajagic had a career day, recording a personal-best 16 digs alongside seven kills.
Coach Sheffield Praises Team Growth and Standout Players
“I think people can see this team is getting better and better every week, and how they have each others back and how hard they play and how supportive they are of one another, and I think they respect the game with how they play — the consistency of match in and match out,” stated a senior official regarding the team’s development. “I thought going into this match these were probably two of the most improved teams in this conference, from the beginning of the season to the end.”
The coach also highlighted the exceptional performances of Colyer and libero Jada Cerniglia, stating, “Mimi’s numbers, those are video game numbers. Those are things you just don’t see very much. And Jada was able to get in and so glad that she’s been a part of this team this year, both of them. How they’ve gone and fit in and carried on the tradition of what a Badger’s supposed to be, it’s something that makes you really proud.”
Colyer attributed her success to the team’s overall performance, saying, “It’s fun to see those kinds of numbers, but I give all credit to, like Kelly said, we were passing really well. We were able to get a lot of our team involved. We’re trying to get our middles involved more and more, and the more that everyone else gets involved, the more it opens me up and the more I’m able to be successful. Charlie [Fuerbringer] she’s the best setter in the country, and she just puts up a good ball every single time no matter where she is on the court, and she makes my job so easy.”
Looking Ahead
Wisconsin has now defeated Iowa in 10 consecutive matches, sweeping the Hawkeyes in each of those contests. The Badgers have also won 16 straight sets against Big Ten opponents. They will conclude their regular season next week with a matchup against Northwestern in Evanston on Wednesday, November 26, with first serve scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT and streaming available on B1G+.
