The Big Ten began conference play with a bang Wednesday, as Minnesota, the No. 16 team in the VolleyballMag Super 16 Media Poll, upset No. 7 Wisconsin in five sets, and fifth-ranked Penn State spanked No. 10 Purdue
In a nearly empty gym because the campus had already closed in anticipation of the impending hurricane, AVCA No. 18 Florida State rallied for a five-set win over — who else? — the Hurricanes of AVCA No. 25 Miami.
Baylor beat previously unbeaten Arizona in the Big 12.
Western Carolina won its SoCon opener in an absolutely wild five — losing the fourth set 43-41 — in a match at The Citadel that put up some remarkable numbers including seven players with 20 or more digs.
Nina Cajic had 31 kills in Tennessee’s win over Alabama to go with four aces, a block and 11 digs. Georgia lost in five to Arkansas, but Erykah Lovett — who used to play at Tennessee — had 33 kills — a rally-scoring era record for that program — 21 digs and four blocks.
The recaps and top performances follow.
NCAA volleyball Thursday
Just two teams ranked in either the VolleyballMag Super 16 Media Poll or the AVCA top 25 play Thursday.
VBM No. 16 Florida makes its first SEC trip to Oklahoma.
AVCA No. 17 BYU, home for…
