Photos: Wisconsin volleyball holds off Louisville Cardinals to reach NCAA title game

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.

UW knocks out top-seeded and previously unbeaten Louisville in the national semifinals.

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. 

This is how it should be — if Wisconsin wants its first national volleyball championship, it must beat a team it knows oh so well, writes columnist Jim Polzin.

Wisconsin has won seven straight volleyball matches against Nebraska. Here's why No. 8 will be so much tougher for the Badgers.

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.

Athletic director Chris McIntosh says the Badgers "represent our university in a first-class way."

These eight players, including two national player of the year winners, combine speed, power and precision and led the Badgers to multiple conference titles and one national championship.

8-year-old Izzy Eaton made the trip to Columbus for Thursday's Final Four.

Dana Rettke said she is “really thankful for the bond” she’s developed with the young fan. And Izzy’s mother said the Badgers have boosted the self-confidence of the girl, who sometimes struggles with being “different.”