No. 5 Wisconsin defeated No. 17 Florida in a thrilling five-set volleyball match on September 2, securing a 25-21, 20-25, 25-19, 24-26, 15-13 victory before a capacity crowd of 7,229 at the UW Field House. The competitive contest featured multiple lead changes and ties, showcasing both the Badgers’ resilience and their willingness to battle through adversity. The win marked Wisconsin’s second ranked victory of the season and improved their overall record to 2-3.
Grace Egan emerged as a key performer for the Badgers, particularly in the later stages of the match. After struggling early, the outside/right-side hitter elevated her play significantly, finishing with 17 kills and a .314 hitting percentage. Her strong performance helped Wisconsin mount a remarkable comeback in the fourth set, rallying from a 19-12 deficit to briefly take a 23-22 lead. Freshman middle blocker Lynney Tarnow also delivered career-high numbers, recording 16 kills and five blocks while hitting .429, proving instrumental despite the continued absence of star player Jaela Auguste.
Wisconsin’s victory showcased balanced offensive contributions across multiple players. Audrey Flanagan led the team with 18 kills, while early enrollee Kymora Scott made her first career start and contributed seven kills with three blocks. Coach Kelly Sheffield emphasized the team’s balanced approach, noting that twelve players appeared in at least two sets and seven recorded multiple kills. The Badgers’ depth and ability to adjust their lineup proved crucial in securing the narrow victory over a ranked opponent.
