MADISON – The Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team displayed impressive resilience as they defeated the Auburn Tigers in straight sets, winning 25-23, 25-17, and 25-20 on September 3. This victory marked the Badgers' second win in the Big Ten/SEC Challenge, improving their overall record to 3-3 for the 2026 season.
Just a day after a grueling five-set match against the 17th-ranked Florida, the fifth-ranked Badgers managed to secure the win against Auburn at the UW Field House. The match was competitive, featuring 17 ties and eight lead changes, but Wisconsin ultimately maintained control to clinch each set. Head coach Kelly Sheffield expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting the close nature of the sets and the growth they are experiencing as a squad.
“We’re playing a lot of really, really close sets, and things happen,” Sheffield stated. “There’s a back-and-forth element to it, and we’re growing. … I like where we’re at. I like how we’re learning.”
One standout performer for Wisconsin was freshman Halle Thompson, who stepped up in the absence of injured players. Thompson, making her mark as a starting outside hitter, led the team with 11 kills, a significant increase from her previous career-high of four kills against then-No. 4 Pittsburgh. Sheffield praised Thompson's aggressive play style and her ability to make smart attacking choices throughout the match.
“Halle’s like a double shot of espresso,” Sheffield remarked. “I wanted to make sure that we weren’t sleepy out there and the building wasn’t sleepy. … The kid was pretty hyped, and that worked well attacking-wise.”
In addition to Thompson's contributions, Eva Travis also had a notable performance, recording 10 kills and hitting .286. This marked Travis's third match of the season with 10 or more kills, showcasing her development and confidence on the court.
Despite a slight disadvantage in total blocks, with Auburn leading 5-4, Wisconsin's blocking performance was more effective than the statistics suggested. Sheffield noted that Auburn's quick setting forced Wisconsin's defenders to adapt, but he believed the Badgers executed their blocking strategy well. Natalie Wardlow and Lynney Tarnow, starting at the middle blocker positions, contributed significantly, with Wardlow notching eight kills and Tarnow adding seven.
Wisconsin's victory was particularly impressive given the absence of key players Jaela Auguste and Grace Egan. Auguste missed her fourth consecutive match due to an injury, while Egan was sidelined for the second time in three matches with an undisclosed injury. Sheffield acknowledged the challenges of competing without these players but emphasized the opportunities for others to step up in their absence.
“It’s not fun missing some people,” Sheffield said. “You like to be at full strength, but that just doesn’t happen. … We’ve had a few, and we’ve had to deal with it. But on the other side of that is opportunity.”
As the Badgers continue their season, they will look to build on this momentum and further develop their roster, even as they navigate the challenges of injuries and player absences.
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