Wisconsin Volleyball Survives Ohio State in a Five-Set Epic

The UW Field House was electric Wednesday night as the No. 7 Wisconsin volleyball team found itself in yet another five-set battle, this time against a scrappy Ohio State squad. After jumping out to a two-set lead, the Badgers weathered a storm of Buckeye resilience to close out the match 25-23, 25-14, 21-25, 24-26, 15-12. It was a gutsy win, the kind that tests a team’s heart and sharpens its edge for the postseason.

“We knew this was going to be a dogfight,” said head coach Kelly Sheffield. “Ohio State is a great team, and we had to dig deep to get this one. I’m really proud of the way our players stayed tough.”

Dominance Early, Drama Late

Wisconsin came out strong, taking a nail-biting first set 25-23. The back-and-forth opener saw 12 ties and six lead changes, with the Badgers capitalizing late on two Buckeye errors to steal the momentum. That energy carried into the second set, where Wisconsin left no doubt, cruising to a 25-14 victory behind Sarah Franklin’s powerful swings and a stifling defensive effort.

But in the third set, Ohio State showed why they’re a team no one can overlook. The Buckeyes, led by standout freshman Grace Egan, hit their stride offensively, pulling away with a 5-0 run that put Wisconsin on its heels. Despite a late rally by the Badgers, Ohio State took the set 25-21, setting the stage for a fourth-set thriller.

The fourth set was a heart-stopper. With both teams trading blows, Wisconsin fought back from a three-point deficit to earn match point at 24-23, only to watch Ohio State string together three straight points behind Emily Londot’s fearless hitting. The Buckeyes’ 26-24 win sent the match to a decisive fifth set.

“It’s frustrating when you’re so close, but you can’t dwell on it,” said Anna Smrek. “The fifth set is like starting over. You have to shake off the past and just play.”

Fifth-Set Resolve

Wisconsin’s experience in high-pressure moments shone through in the final frame. A 4-0 run, fueled by kills from Devyn Robinson and Franklin, gave the Badgers a 9-5 lead. While Ohio State closed the gap to two points multiple times, Wisconsin slammed the door shut with a block from Robinson and Julia Orzol, sealing the 15-12 victory.

Franklin was the offensive star, finishing with a season-high 25 kills on .317 hitting. Smrek and Carter Booth added 11 kills apiece, while Orzol rounded out the attack with 10. Setter Charlie Fuerbringer was the unsung hero, dishing out a career-high 59 assists and keeping Wisconsin’s offense balanced against a tough Buckeye defense.

“I thought Charlie was phenomenal tonight,” said Sheffield. “She made great adjustments, especially with how Ohio State was serving us short. That’s not easy for a freshman, but she handled it like a veteran.”

Defensive Grit

The Badgers’ defense, as always, played a critical role. Saige Damrow tied her career high with 21 digs, anchoring a back row that saw contributions from Schumacher, who returned after a three-match absence, and Franklin, who was heavily targeted by Ohio State’s serves.

Wisconsin also outblocked Ohio State 10-8, with Smrek leading the way with five blocks. The team’s ability to stay composed in long rallies and make key plays at the net proved vital in the deciding moments.

“You’ve got to embrace the grind in matches like this,” said middle blocker Caroline Crawford. “Every point matters, and you just keep pushing.”

What Stood Out

1. Franklin’s Firepower
   Franklin continues to prove why she’s one of the best outside hitters in the country. Her 25 kills marked her sixth 20-plus kill match this season and demonstrated her ability to deliver under pressure.

“She’s just so steady,” said Fuerbringer. “We all feed off her energy.”

2. Ohio State’s Resilience
   Credit to the Buckeyes, who refused to quit after falling behind 0-2. Grace Egan led the way with a season-high 22 kills, while Londot added 17. Their fight turned what could have been a quick match into an instant classic.

“They made us earn every point,” said Sheffield. “That’s what makes Big Ten volleyball so special.”

3. Fuerbringer’s Poise
   The freshman setter’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to adapt to Ohio State’s tactics and distribute the ball effectively kept the Badgers’ offense on track in the most critical moments.

“Charlie’s growth this season has been incredible,” said Franklin. “She’s the engine that makes us go.”

Looking Ahead

With the win, Wisconsin improved to 22-6 overall and 15-3 in Big Ten play. They’ll close out the regular season on Saturday night against Michigan State, with senior night festivities adding an extra layer of emotion to the evening.

“It’s always special to honor the seniors,” said Sheffield. “This group has meant so much to our program, and we want to send them out the right way.”

For Orzol, whose parents traveled from Poland to watch their daughter play, the night carried personal significance. “It means so much to have them here,” she said. “They’ve been part of my journey from the start, and it’s amazing to share this with them.”

Final Thoughts

This match was a perfect snapshot of Wisconsin volleyball—gritty, resilient, and unyielding. The Badgers showed why they’re a team no one wants to face in the postseason. There’s room for improvement—serving consistency remains a concern—but the team’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments bodes well as they gear up for tournament play.

Saturday’s regular-season finale will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network at 8 p.m. Don’t miss what promises to be an emotional night as the Badgers honor their seniors and look to close the season with another statement win.

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Photos from Tonights Win