A Heartbreaking Farewell: Wisconsin Volleyball’s Senior Class Falls Short Against Nebraska

The University of Wisconsin’s volleyball team’s quest for the NCAA tournament’s Final Four was halted on a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon in Lincoln, Nebraska. Facing a relentless and resilient Nebraska Cornhuskers squad, the Badgers’ season came to a heartbreaking conclusion in a 3-0 loss in the NCAA regional final. This defeat marked not only the end of the season for the Badgers but also the bittersweet farewell to an accomplished senior class that helped elevate Wisconsin volleyball to new heights.

For the third time this season, Nebraska defeated Wisconsin in straight sets. The Cornhuskers’ defensive prowess, including 12 total blocks, proved insurmountable for the Badgers. Wisconsin was stifled at every turn, particularly on offense, where they hit a paltry .126 for the match, their second-lowest hitting percentage of the season. In the final set, they managed only a .022 hitting percentage, their lowest for any set in 2024. The loss at the Bob Devaney Sports Center was another painful reminder of Nebraska’s dominance in their home arena, where they extended their winning streak to 26 straight NCAA tournament matches.

A Match Defined by Defensive Dominance

As Wisconsin took to the court in a do-or-die battle for a spot in the Final Four, it quickly became clear that Nebraska had come to play. The Cornhuskers’ defense was relentless, stymieing any efforts by Wisconsin to get a rhythm going offensively. Nebraska’s formidable block, anchored by middle blocker Andi Jackson, along with outside hitters Harper Murray and Taylor Landfair, proved to be too much for the Badgers to handle.

Murray and Landfair each registered 13 kills, while Jackson added 10 kills and an impressive .474 hitting percentage. Their offensive firepower was complemented by the Cornhuskers’ back-row defense, as Nebraska posted 59 digs – the most for any Wisconsin opponent in a three-set match all season. Every time the Badgers thought they might have an opening, Nebraska was there to close it.

“They were all over the floor,” reflected UW senior Sarah Franklin after the match. “I felt like I was making some decent shots, but they’d get it up and come back with the same type of shot. It’s definitely just trying to continue to battle through that throughout the whole match.”

Franklin, who had been the heart of Wisconsin’s offense throughout the season, finished with 12 kills in her final appearance as a Badger. However, her performance was far from the high-flying effort fans had become accustomed to over her career. Franklin’s .128 hitting percentage in the match was a testament to how difficult the Nebraska defense made life for her and her teammates.

A Tough Battle to the End

Despite the overwhelming odds, the Badgers refused to back down. Wisconsin’s resilience shone through, especially in the first set, which turned into an epic battle. The Badgers fought off three set points to force extra points, but ultimately, they fell 26-24 in a thrilling opening frame. It was a close contest, but the Cornhuskers’ ability to close out tight sets proved to be the difference.

The second set was a different story, as Nebraska went on a 12-2 run, leaving Wisconsin scrambling to recover. The Badgers found themselves down 14-4 and could never fully recover, ultimately losing the set 25-17. The third set offered a glimmer of hope for Wisconsin when they surged to a 15-11 lead. However, Nebraska again showed their championship pedigree, rallying back to tie the set at 16-16. From there, Nebraska never trailed again, sealing the match with three straight blocks to finish 25-21.

The final set was symbolic of the entire match – Nebraska’s imposing block and airtight defense stifling the Badgers’ offensive attempts. It was clear that Wisconsin was up against one of the most well-rounded and disciplined teams in the nation, and while they fought valiantly, Nebraska’s superior defense was the deciding factor.

A Senior Class to Remember

As the final whistle blew and the reality of the loss set in, Wisconsin bid farewell to one of the most accomplished senior classes in the program’s history. Among them were players who had been integral to Wisconsin’s success over the past few years, including the likes of Sarah Franklin, Anna Smrek, Julie Orzol, and Devyn Robinson. These seniors had helped Wisconsin achieve remarkable milestones, including a Big Ten championship, multiple NCAA tournament appearances, and a national title in 2021.

Julie Orzol, who had been one of the team’s most consistent performers throughout the season, added seven kills in her final match as a Badger. Her performance in the first set, where she recorded five kills, showcased her ability to step up in critical moments. Alongside her, Anna Smrek, another senior, posted nine kills with a .333 hitting percentage, playing a vital role in Wisconsin’s offensive efforts. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Nebraska’s dominance at the net.

The contributions of transfers like Sarah Franklin and Caroline Crawford also proved invaluable for Wisconsin. These players, who arrived at Wisconsin with their own rich histories of success, helped elevate the program to a new level, leading them to a Big Ten title in 2022 and an appearance in the Final Four last season. Their leadership, experience, and skill were central to the team’s success.

“I’m just super proud of our fight throughout the whole season,” said freshman setter Charlie Fuerbringer. “I think we improved so much more than a lot of other teams and I’m just so grateful to be surrounded by these girls. They’re amazing and the worst part about losing today is not being able to play with them next year for sure.”

Looking Ahead: Nebraska’s Next Step

With the victory, Nebraska (33-2) now advances to the national semifinals, where they will face either Penn State or Creighton in the next stage of the tournament. Nebraska’s performance on Sunday solidified their status as one of the nation’s premier volleyball teams. With a roster brimming with talent, including Landfair, Murray, and Jackson, the Cornhuskers are well-positioned to make another deep run for the national title.

For Wisconsin, this loss marks the end of a memorable season, but it also brings an end to a special era. With six seniors departing the program, including key players from the 2021 national championship team, it’s a time for reflection and appreciation of the contributions they’ve made to Wisconsin volleyball.

Though this season didn’t end with a trip to the Final Four, it was filled with moments of brilliance, growth, and success. Wisconsin’s volleyball program has established itself as a powerhouse in the Big Ten and the nation, and as they say goodbye to their senior class, the future looks bright. With a talented group of younger players eager to step up, the Badgers will undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

The 2024 regional final between Wisconsin and Nebraska was a game that showcased the best of what college volleyball has to offer. The Badgers fought valiantly, but Nebraska’s defense and offensive firepower proved too much to overcome. As Wisconsin bids farewell to its accomplished senior class, the legacy of their success will live on. And while this season may have ended in disappointment, the future remains promising for the Badgers as they continue to build upon their championship aspirations.