MADISON, Wis. — Kelly Sheffield continues to feel good about the progression of his University of Wisconsin volleyball program after a strong start to their Big Ten slate.
No. 7 Wisconsin (9-1, 2-0 Big Ten) has seen a combination of returning players and newcomers play decisive roles early this season, including consecutive three-set sweeps over Rutgers and Iowa since Friday. Sophomore setter Charlie Fuerbringer (11.35 assists per set) and transfer outside hitter Mimi Colyer (5.19 kills per set) still sit among the best in the nation. Freshman outside hitter Madison Quest responded to enhanced action with outside hitter Grace Egan, an Ohio State transfer, out with a combined 14 kills and hitting .407 against the Scarlet Knights and Hawkeyes.
“And I think every week, we’ve looked a little bit better, and the things that we’ve worked on in the gym is usually translated out on the courts when we’ve played,” Sheffield said. “But I think this next week in front of us is a little bit more of, probably even more of a challenge.”
Wisconsin hosts an Illinois (7-4, 2-0) team on Thursday (7 p.m. CT, Big Ten Network) that is coming off a win at No. 10 Purdue. Then the Badgers will play Michigan (10-3, 0-2) on Sunday.
