ISTABNUL, Turkey – The Wisconsin Badger volleyball ball team improved to 2-0 during its Foreign Tour with a five-set thriller, winning 20-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-11, 15-10 over Turkish club team Eczacibasi Spor Kulübü Juniors Monday morning.
The Badgers got off to a bit of a slow start in the first set, losing 20-25, but got back on track in the second to even the match at one set all. Temi Thomas-Ailara combined for 11 kills in the first two sets, while Izzy Ashburn and MJ Hammill dished out 20 assists.
After a third set loss, the Badgers would catch fire in the final two sets, and doubled up Eczacibasi in the fourth, 25-11. Thomas-Ailara once again led the Badger offense crushing nine kills in the fourth set alone. She would finish with a match-high 29 kills.
Ashburn and Hammill combined for 45 assists, with Ashburn leading the way at 27. Hammill also recorded a double-double, with 18 assists and 11 digs in the match.
Defensively, Caroline Crawford and Anna Smrek led the Badger defense at the net recording four blocks each.
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The Badgers will enjoy a day off Tuesday with some final sightseeing in Turkey. Wisconsin will depart on Wednesday for Sloevnia, and will be back in action on June 8.
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