Setting the Stage: Kohl Center Classic is back!

MADISON, Wis. — The No. 7 Wisconsin volleyball team is returning to the Kohl Center on Tuesday night to play Marquette. The match is set to start at 7 pm and will be aired on the Big Ten Network.

1. LAST TIME OUT: Prior to their week off, the Badgers took care of Milwaukee with a sweep, 25-13, 25-13, 25-14, at its home opener on Tuesday night. Julia Orzol led the team with 14 kills, and set a career high in hitting percentage, as she clocked .684 (14 kills – 1 error – 19 attempts). Freshman Lola Schumacher made her second start at libero. Building upon her 27 digs at Baylor, Schumacher led the team with 14 digs against the Panthers.

2. KEEP ON CLIMBING: With the newest AVCA poll, the Badgers now sit at number seven, moving up one spot from last week. The Big Ten claims four teams in the Top 10, with Penn State at number three, Nebraska at five and Purdue right in front of UW at number six. Oregon is not far behind, checking in at number 12. Pittsburgh and Stanford sit atop the poll, ranked first and second, respectively. 

3. IN-STATE RIVAL AT THE KC: Returning for its second match at the Kohl Center, the Kohl Center Classic is back! With its inaugural year in 2022 against Florida, it was an instant classic. Despite falling in five sets, the atmosphere in the Kohl Center was electric, with a capacity of 17,071 which was then, an NCAA attendance record. Marquette hosted the Badgers at the Fiserv Forum last season, which garnered 17,037 fans.



4. BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER: Lauren Carlini, one of the most decorated athletes in program history, and Paris Olympic silver medalist, has returned to the bench as an Offensive Analyst and Strategy Consultant for the Badgers. Carlini will make her debut on the Badgers bench against the Golden Eagles. She will also be honored during the match for her achievements in Paris.

5. CC COOKIN’: After getting back into the starting lineup (Stanford), Crawford has made an instant impact totaling 23 kills,14 digs,15 blocks and 38.5 points in the last five matches.

6. SCOUTING THE GOLDEN EAGLES: Wisconsin holds a 22-1 record over Marquette, with the only loss coming in 2019, during a five-set thriller in Madison. So far this season, the Golden Eagles sit at 3-3. Marquette also faced Stanford earlier this year, falling in straight sets. The Golden Eagles checked in at No….