PHOTOS: Wisconsin volleyball captures its first national title (2024)

Ben Kenney

December 19, 2021 11:38 am CT

Wisconsin volleyball captured its first national title last night, defeating Nebraska 3-2 in a five-set thriller.

The match saw underdog Nebraska jump out to a one-set lead with a 25-22 victory in the first frame. Wisconsin then went on to battle its way to a 31-29 win in the second set, 25-23 victory in the third set and a 15-12 win in the deciding fifth set after Nebraska rallied to win the fourth.

National Player of the Year Dana Rettke led the way yet again, coming up with a big play seemingly every time Wisconsin needed it. And the ending was about as fitting as you could imagine with Rettke coming through for a final kill.

HISTORY FOR WISCONSIN 🏆 🤩 @BadgerVB wins its first-ever national championship!!! pic.twitter.com/cQ7i8ir8Ys
— espnW (@espnW) December 19, 2021

Here are the best photos from Wisconsin’s national title triumph last night:

Wisconsin react after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament…

Wisconsin react after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin reserve players react after their team scores a point against Nebraska during the championship match…

Wisconsin reserve players react after their team scores a point against Nebraska during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin's Julia Orzol (22) digs the ball during the championship match of the NCAA women's college…

Wisconsin's Julia Orzol (22) digs the ball during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

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2024 Volleyball Roster

Wisconsin's Anna Smrek, center, prepares to spike the ball during the championship match of the NCAA…

Wisconsin's Anna Smrek, center, prepares to spike the ball during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin fans cheer during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska…

Wisconsin fans cheer during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield, center, speaks to his team during the championship match of the…

Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield, center, speaks to his team during the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin players hold up the NCAA trophy after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the…

Wisconsin players hold up the NCAA trophy after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin's head coach Kelly Sheffield celebrates after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA…

Wisconsin's head coach Kelly Sheffield celebrates after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Fans attend the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament between Wisconsin and Nebraska…

Fans attend the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament between Wisconsin and Nebraska Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Wisconsin players pose for a photo after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA…

Wisconsin players pose for a photo after defeating Nebraska in the championship match of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

PHOTOS: Wisconsin volleyball captures its first national title (2024)

FAQs

How did the Wisconsin volleyball pictures get leaked? ›

A report previously stated that photos originated from one of the players' phones, a fact UWPD Executive Director of Communications Marc Lovicott confirmed to Fox News Digital on Thursday. "The focus of our investigation is not on any of the student athletes," Lovicott said in an email.

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How many national championships has Wisconsin volleyball won? ›

They won a national title in 2021. They have had eleven head coaches since the team's inception.

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When was the Wisconsin volleyball scandal? ›

The University of Wisconsin athletic department announced on Oct. 19 the investigation into a a leak of private photos and videos of Badgers women's volleyball players, which were then shared on the internet.

Current season, competition or edition: 2024 NCAA men's volleyball tournament
Country	United States
Most recent champion(s)	UCLA
Most titles	UCLA (21)
TV partner(s)	ESPN2

Who won the 2018 college volleyball championship? ›

2018 NCAA Division I women's volleyball tournament

2018 NCAA women's Division I volleyball tournament
Champions	Stanford (8th title)
Runner-up	Nebraska (9th title match)
Semifinalists	BYU (3rd Final Four) Illinois (4th Final Four)
Winning coach	Kevin Hambly (1st title)

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Who won volleyball last year? ›

DI Women's VolleyballChampionship History

Year	Champion (Record)	TITLE MATCH REPLAY
2022	Texas (28-1)	Watch the full match
2021	Wisconsin (31-3)	Watch the full match
2020	Kentucky (24-1)	Watch the full match
2019	Stanford (30-4)	Watch the full match

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What is the NCAA volleyball controversy? ›

On Feb. 20, the NCAA announced a new rule allowing double contacts — referring to when a player's hands touch the ball at two different times consecutively, or when the ball hits their body twice. The premise of the rule change was to make the game more consistent and smooth for both players and fans.

Read On ›

Who did Wisconsin women's volleyball lose? ›

Texas surged in the final two sets to roll Wisconsin, 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-13, 25-16). The Longhorns aced 11 times, which is a season-best for the squad. Madisen Skinner had a career game at the service line, doubling her previous career-best of three, and Asjia O'Neal and Emma Halter both added two.

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What is the attendance record for the Wisconsin girls volleyball game? ›

	ATT.	WINNER
14	17,037	Wisconsin
15	17,014	Nebraska
		Stanford
16	16,833	Florida

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Dec 17, 2023

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Who transferred from Wisconsin volleyball? ›

Senior setter MJ Hammill and outside hitter Ella Wrobel announced this week they'll be moving on.

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