No. 7 Wisconsin was just a set away from a huge Big Ten road sweep, but couldn’t hold on for the win.
After sweeping Iowa on Friday, Wisconsin had No. 4 Nebraska on the ropes in Lincoln but the Cornhuskers rallied, winning the match in five sets. Senior Kelli Bates had 20 kills and freshman sensation Dana Rettke had six blocks, but Wisconsin only managed to hit .194 and could not put Nebraska away.
#Badger battle but fall to Nebraska in 5️⃣ sets.https://t.co/tmJP8AIPNm
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) October 1, 2017
It was a better story on Friday as Wisconsin knocked off Iowa 3–0 in Iowa City. Rettke led the Badgers with 12 kills and four blocks. The Badgers hit a blistering .402 for the match while holding the Hawkeyes to .090.
The #Badgers sweep Iowa in first @B1GVolleyball road match‼️https://t.co/pX97dXPu1G
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) September 30, 2017
With the split, Wisconsin is now 11–2 on the year (2–2 in the Big Ten). The Badgers remain ranked at No. 7 in the AVCA Coaches Poll and were also ranked No. 7 in the first RPI rankings released on Monday.
Rettke received some personal accolades this week, being named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. It is her second straight week being so honored and her fourth win this season.
Rettke had 23 kills in two matches over the weekend and hit .600 against Iowa. She is sixth in the nation, hitting .442 to go along with 3.25 kills per set and 1.55 blocks per set for the year.
1⃣ 2⃣ 3⃣ 4⃣ @B1GVolleyball Freshman of the Week awards for @dana_rettke this season! pic.twitter.com/4F2vzO3bsJ
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) October 2, 2017
Wisconsin faces No. 6 Minnesota on Wednesday at the Field House (7 p.m.). The Badgers travel to No. 16 Michigan State on Saturday to take on the Spartans (3 p.m.).
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