Wisconsin volleyball opened its season with a dramatic five-set victory over No. 14 Kansas, signaling the Badgers’ depth and readiness for a competitive year. The eighth-ranked Badgers survived a stern test in the Opening Spike Classic, taking the match 25-16, 18-25, 25-18, 26-28, 15-10.
The biggest storyline was the immediate impact of transfers and new faces. Oregon transfer Mimi Colyer dominated with a match-high 26 kills, a performance that included 10 kills in the first set on 12 attempts with no errors. Coach Kelly Sheffield credited Colyer for stepping into a leadership role right away, saying she “announced her presence with authority” as she helped pace Wisconsin’s offense throughout the night. Colyer also contributed a block, four block assists, and 10 digs, underscoring her all-around impact.
Alicia Andrews, the Baylor transfer and 6-foot-3 middle blocker, complemented Colyer with 10 blocks (two solo, eight assists) and eight kills, finishing with a .571 hitting percentage—the best mark among players on either team. Andrews arrived at Wisconsin with substantial collegiate experience, having started 57 matches across the previous two seasons for Baylor, and her presence at the net was a clear catalyst for the Badgers’ blocking effort.
Wisconsin showcased impressive depth beyond its high-profile newcomers. Freshmen and other transfers filled important roles, helping the team weather a tough Kansas response. Una Vajagic, who played sparingly in the exhibition, started all five sets and finished with 13 kills, second on the team behind Colyer. Grace Egan, another transfer who starred in the Notre Dame exhibition, had a quieter night against Kansas with three kills and no more than three attack errors after starting the first three sets. Head coach Sheffield praised the overall balance, noting that several players stepped up in different ways to move Wisconsin to 1-0 on the season.
The match also highlighted Wisconsin’s mental resilience. Sheffield emphasized that players must stay connected and move on to the next play after errors, a mindset the Badgers leaned into as the team fought through a tense fourth set that featured 19 ties and six lead changes and a decisive fifth set win. Carter Booth, a middle blocker, dismissed the notion of taking the easier route, saying the early-season test would reveal where the team truly stands and that competing in four- and five-set matches is essential to growth.
Wisconsin’s roster depth was on full display, with every newcomer and most of the five freshmen contributing. Kristen Simon played libero in all five sets, while Madison Quest, Natalie Wardlow, Addy Horner and Aniya Warren also saw significant time. Quest finished with four block assists, and Horner contributed with three serves that tested Kansas’ discipline at the line.
The Badgers’ opening-night performance bodes well for a season that promises both immediate impact from transfers and sustained development from a young, hungry roster. If Colyer’s scoring and Andrews’ blocking pace continue, Wisconsin could be positioned for deep runs as the schedule intensifies.
Summary: Wisconsin demonstrated a strong start to the season, riding dominant hitting from Colyer and a strong all-around showing from Andrews, while leveraging a deep, versatile lineup that included multiple freshmen and transfers contributing in key moments. The win sets a positive tone as the Badgers press forward into a demanding early schedule. Positive note: the team showed it can handle a five-set battle, stay connected, and translate depth into production across the lineup.