Week 2 was a doozy in DI women’s volleyball — the top dogs posted consistent performances, while some shifts have occurred in the final few Power 10 slots. Here is Michella Chester’s take:
1. Wisconsin (Previous: 1)
After claiming the No. 1 slot in the AVCA rankings with their Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge wins over ranked Baylor and TCU in the opening week, the Badgers went 3-0 in their Week 2 matches. Arkansas presented a challenge on Wednesday, pushing the match to five sets, but Wisconsin put an end to the Razorbacks’ foray with the help of right sider Devyn Robinson, who contributed 21 kills — tying her career high — on 48 swings. The Badgers returned to Barnhill Arena the next day and swept the Razorbacks.
It was an electric day at the Field House ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/HBhc4SD9Zp
— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) September 3, 2023
Three days later, the Lady Vols contested Wisconsin’s top ranking, stealing sets 3 and 4, but the Badgers rallied in the fifth and bemused Tennessee with out-of-system swings and defensive tactics that eventually notched the score in the Badgers’ favor. So far, Wisconsin has outhit and out-blocked each of its opponents, averaging a .323 hitting percentage and 11.6 blocks per match.
