For the first time in program history, the Wisconsin volleyball program is ranked first in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top 25 Coaches’ poll, the association announced Monday.
The previous best ranking for the Badgers (14-1 overall, 6-0 Big Ten) in the coaches’ poll was second eight times, including three weeks this season. Wisconsin moved up one spot in this week’s poll after being ranked second last week. UW was also ranked second for three weeks late in the 2014 season while ending the 2013 and 2000 seasons as the second-place team.
The Big Ten Conference continues to dominate the poll with the top three teams, four teams in the top 10 and nine teams in the top 25. Nebraska (14-1) moved up one spot to second while last week’s top-ranked team, Minnesota (13-2), falls two places to third after falling to then-No. 15 Penn State last Wednesday. The Nittany Lions (14-3) move up to 10th after the win.
Michigan State (15-3) jumps up seven spots to 14th while Michigan (15-3) moves up five places to 18th. Ohio State (12-6) falls five positions to 19th and Purdue (11-6) drops five spots to 22nd. Illinois (11-6) remains 24th.
The Badgers play two ranked teams this week, hosting No. 3 Minnesota on Wednesday in the UW Field House. Match time is 8 p.m. and the contest will be streamed live on the Big Ten Network. The midweek match is already sold out.
On Saturday, the Badgers travel to No. 18 Michigan for a 6 p.m. CT match from Cliff Keen Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
