This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline.
Wisconsin’s volleyball team jumped to No. 6 in the latest release of the AVCA rankings.
The Badgers are back near the top after overcoming a disappointing 0-3 start.
Pittsburgh earned the No. 1 spot in the latest ranking. It is followed by 2023 runner-up Nebraska, 2022 runner-up Louisville, No. 4 Penn State and 2022 and 2023 national champion Texas in the top five. The Badgers landed just above 2018 and 2019 national champion Stanford and No. 8 Purdue.
The Badgers were ranked third in the 2024 Preseason American Volleyball Coaches Association in late August. The team is 18-5 with losses to preseason No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Nebraska, No. 5 Stanford, No. 6 Louisville and No. 18 Minnesota.
Stack good days. pic.twitter.com/w19WMUM4ig
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) November 11, 2024
One week earlier, the Badgers were No. 7. Their rise to No. 6 comes after Kelly Sheffield’s team swept both Iowa and No. 3 Penn State in back-to-back matches at the UW Field House.
Against the Nittany Lions, Wisconsin dominated with 25-23, 25-12 and 25-13 finishes in the 3-0 win.
The Badgers registered a .465 hitting percentage with 50 kills on 101 attempts. Superstar Sarah Franklin and middle blocker/right side hitter Anna Smrek accounted for 13 kills apiece.
UW looks to build off its recent win against No. 20 USC on Nov. 14.