PHOTOS: Wisconsin volleyball captures its first national title (2024)

Ben Kenney

December 19, 2021 11:38 am CT

Wisconsin volleyball captured its first national title last night, defeating Nebraska 3-2 in a five-set thriller.

The match saw underdog Nebraska jump out to a one-set lead with a 25-22 victory in the first frame. Wisconsin then went on to battle its way to a 31-29 win in the second set, 25-23 victory in the third set and a 15-12 win in the deciding fifth set after Nebraska rallied to win the fourth.

National Player of the Year Dana Rettke led the way yet again, coming up with a big play seemingly every time Wisconsin needed it. And the ending was about as fitting as you could imagine with Rettke coming through for a final kill.

HISTORY FOR WISCONSIN 🏆 🤩 @BadgerVB wins its first-ever national championship!!! pic.twitter.com/cQ7i8ir8Ys
— espnW (@espnW) December 19, 2021

Here are the best photos from Wisconsin’s national title triumph last night:

Wisconsin react after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament…

Wisconsin react after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin reserve players react after their team scores a point against Nebraska during the championship match…

Wisconsin reserve players react after their team scores a point against Nebraska during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin's Julia Orzol (22) digs the ball during the championship match of the NCAA women's college…

Wisconsin's Julia Orzol (22) digs the ball during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin's Julia Orzol (22) spikes the ball towards Nebraska's Lindsay Krause (22) and Lauren Trivrins (26)…

Wisconsin's Julia Orzol (22) spikes the ball towards Nebraska's Lindsay Krause (22) and Lauren Trivrins (26) during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins (26) spikes the ball towards Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) and Devon Robinson (10)…

Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins (26) spikes the ball towards Wisconsin's Anna Smrek (14) and Devon Robinson (10) during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin's Lauren Barnes, center, reacts after her team scores a point against Nebraska during the championship…

Wisconsin's Lauren Barnes, center, reacts after her team scores a point against Nebraska during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin's Julia Orzol (22) spikes the ball towards Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins (26) during the championship match…

Wisconsin's Julia Orzol (22) spikes the ball towards Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins (26) during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin's Anna Smrek, center, prepares to spike the ball during the championship match of the NCAA…

Wisconsin's Anna Smrek, center, prepares to spike the ball during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin fans cheer during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska…

Wisconsin fans cheer during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield, center, speaks to his team during the championship match of the…

Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield, center, speaks to his team during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin players hold up the NCAA trophy after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the…

Wisconsin players hold up the NCAA trophy after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin's head coach Kelly Sheffield celebrates after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA…

Wisconsin's head coach Kelly Sheffield celebrates after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Fans attend the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament between Wisconsin and Nebraska…

Fans attend the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament between Wisconsin and Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin players pose for a photo after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA…

Wisconsin players pose for a photo after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

PHOTOS: Wisconsin volleyball captures its first national title (2024)

FAQs

How did the Wisconsin volleyball pictures get leaked? ›

A report previously stated that photos originated from one of the players' phones, a fact UWPD Executive Director of Communications Marc Lovicott confirmed to Fox News Digital on Thursday. "The focus of our investigation is not on any of the student athletes," Lovicott said in an email.

Why did the Wisconsin volleyball team get in trouble? ›

The University of Wisconsin athletic department announced on Oct. 19 the investigation into a a leak of private photos and videos of Badgers women's volleyball players, which were then shared on the internet.

Is Wisconsin good at volleyball? ›

Wisconsin, the 2021 national champions, saw its streak of four straight Big Ten titles end last season when Nebraska won it. Clearly, many great players have come through Wisconsin's program in the past 10 seasons.

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What did Wisconsin volleyball team do? ›

2022. The Badgers finished the season 28–4, and earned the 3rd overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Badgers swept Quinnipiac, and TCU to advance to the Regionals for the 10th consecutive year. The Badgers defeated (4) Penn State 3–2 in the Sweet Sixteen, before falling to (2) Pitt 3–2 in the Elite Eight.

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Who was the girl kicked off the Wisconsin volleyball team? ›

High school sports fans may have heard about a Wisconsin girl kicked off from her volleyball team for breaching the school's code of conduct. The teenager, known as Jane Doe, was accused of drinking at a party and uploading a beer bottle photo on social media.

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Why is the girls Wisconsin volleyball team trending? ›

The University of Wisconsin's police department is investigating after private photos of the women's volleyball team were shared online without their consent.

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Who is ranked #1 in women's volleyball? ›

FIVB Women's Volleyball World Ranking

World ranking	Country	Points
1.	Türkiye	397.46
2.	United States	358.62
3.	Brazil	350.76
4.	Serbia	350.86

79 more rows

Oct 11, 2023

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Who is the number one men's volleyball team in the world? ›

As of 23 July 2023, the highest ranked team in the men's category is Poland, while in the women's category is Turkey.

Why did Smrek not play against Penn State? ›

19 Penn State on Saturday. The Badgers were without right-side hitter Anna Smrek , who missed the match with an upper-body injury. With the injury, Temi Thomas-Ailara moved to the right side while Julia Orzoł started on the left side and Gülce Güçtekin started at libero.

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How tall is Sarah Franklin in Wisconsin volleyball? ›

6 ft 4 in

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Who transferred from Wisconsin volleyball? ›

Sophom*ore outside hitter Ella Wrobel entered the transfer portal Monday. The 6-foot-4 hitter from Illinois, who took a redshirt this past season, played in six matches during her freshman season. She'll have three years of eligibility left. Senior defensive specialist Sydney Reed also entered the transfer portal.

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Does Wisconsin volleyball make money? ›

In terms of financials, the UW - Madison women's volleyball program paid out $3,353,124 in expenses and made $1,825,115 in total revenue. Unfortunately, that means the program lost money, racking up a net loss of $-1,528,009.