The University of Wisconsin volleyball team secured the program's first national championship when the fourth-seeded Badgers defeated the 10th-seeded Nebraska Cornhuskers 22-25, 31-29, 25-23, 23-25, 15-12 in a thrilling five-set NCAA final on Saturday night at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.Â
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UW's Julia Orzol, who finished her freshman season playing on an injured leg, figures to see her role grow significantly next season.
JEFF DEAN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
orzol main 12-26
UW's Julia Orzol, who finished her freshman season playing on an injured leg, figures to see her role grow significantly next season.
JEFF DEAN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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UW coach Kelly Sheffield speaks to his team during the NCAA final against Nebraska last December. He's led the Badgers to four Big Ten titles, four Final Four appearances and one national title.
The Badgers volleyball team captured the first national championship in program history with a thrilling five-set victory over Big Ten rival Nebraska in the NCAA final in Columbus, Ohio.
The Badgers' title was a long time coming for the team's stars — and those who came before them. "This team stands on the shoulders of the alums that have come before them," coach Kelly Sheffield said.
The fifth-year senior libero finished with a game-high 19 digs as the Badgers outlasted the Louisville Cardinals in a marathon five-set Final Four match to advance to the NCAA final on Saturday.Â