NCAA Tournament 2025: 7 thoughts on Wisconsin volleyball's sweep vs. North Carolina
More from the Field House after the Badgers punched their ticket to the Sweet 16.
MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin volleyball team broke down the walls of a stout North Carolina defense on way to another Sweet 16 berth.
North Carolina came into the NCAA Tournament ranked fifth in the nation in blocks per set and 17th in opponents’ hitting percentage. The Tar Heels then held UTEP, one of the nation’s best at team hitting percentage, to only a .079 clip and dominated with a 15-5 advantage in blocks Thursday during a first-round win.
Facing the Badgers was a different story. Wisconsin (26-4) finished with a .365 hitting percentage, which is the worst allowed by North Carolina (22-9) this season, on way to a three-set sweep Friday at the Field House. Outside hitters Mimi Colyer and Una Vajagic each tallied double-digit kills.
“These guys, these two hitting over .400 against one of the best blocking teams in the country is a ridiculous number,” said Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield with Colyer and Vajagic next to him. “And they got some blocks on us, but we stayed aggressive. We continued to accelerate and hit good shots and know when to be patient and when to get after it.
“I just thought our decision making was really good.”
Here are more thoughts from Wisconsin’s final victory of the 2025 season at the Field House, along with the full postmatch news conference with Sheffield, Vajagic and Colyer.