The Wisconsin Badgers are set to clash with the Texas A&M Aggies on Friday, December 13, 2024, as they compete for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division I volleyball tournament. The match will take place at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
This exciting Sweet Sixteen matchup follows the Badgers' recent victory over the seventh-seeded Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Wisconsin, the No. 2 seed, won the match 3-1, overcoming pressure as they dropped the first set 27-25 but rallied to take the next three with scores of 25-20, 25-23, and 25-21. With this triumph, they extend their remarkable streak to 12 consecutive appearances in the Sweet Sixteen.
Star player Sarah Franklin continued to demonstrate her prowess on the court, contributing significantly to her team's success. Her performances this season have not gone unnoticed, as she was awarded the Big Ten Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. Franklin has enjoyed stellar form, registering 10 or more kills in 29 out of 31 matches, averaging 4.48 kills per set, creating excitement among Badgers fans.
On the other hand, the Texas A&M Aggies, seeded sixth, emerged victorious against No. 8-seeded Arizona State, also coming away with a 3-1 win. The Aggies triumphed with set scores of 25-19, 22-25, 25-15, and 25-22. Junior Logan Lednicky was instrumental to A&M’s success, logging 27 kills with an impressive .500 hitting percentage. This match marks the Aggies' first trip to the Sweet Sixteen since 2019, showcasing their determination to reclaim their competitive status.
Both teams are familiar with one another, as Wisconsin previously defeated Texas A&M 3-0 earlier this season at home. Fans of the Badgers are optimistic, hoping for another decisive victory to send their team to the Elite Eight. A win over Texas A&M would set up another exciting matchup against either the number one seeded Nebraska Cornhuskers or the fifth-seeded Dayton Flyers.
Winning this match is particularly significant not only for tournament advancement but also for regional pride. Wisconsin already has two losses to Nebraska this season, and this could provide them with the opportunity to exact some revenge, should both teams advance.
For spectators and fans eager to tune in, the match will be broadcast on ESPN2, with streaming options available on platforms like Fubo, which is currently offering free trial subscriptions. For those interested, live radio broadcast will also be available on FM-100.5 ESPN stations across Madison and AM-620 stations in Milwaukee.
The NCAA volleyball tournament has garnered much excitement this season, and as the intensity builds, fans are gearing up for what promises to be another exhilarating match. With everything at stake, the Badgers and Aggies are set to bring their best performances to the court. Will Wisconsin secure their spot in the Elite Eight, or will Texas A&M continue their quest for glory? One thing’s for certain: this match is not one to miss!