Wisconsin is headed back to the national semifinals - and they got there by knocking off the top dog.
The Badgers delivered a statement win on Sunday night, taking down No. 1-seed Texas in four sets (3-1) to punch their ticket to the next round. It was a gritty, high-level performance that showcased not just firepower, but poise - especially after a stumble in the third set.
And at the center of it all? Mimi Colyer, playing like the star Wisconsin has leaned on all season.
Colyer was electric, racking up 23 kills in a performance that felt every bit like a veteran leading her team when it mattered most. Her presence on the outside gave Texas fits all night, and when the match was on the line in the fourth, it was Colyer who delivered the final kill - a fitting exclamation point to a night where she owned the spotlight.
But this wasn’t a one-woman show. Wisconsin’s offense was balanced and relentless.
Outside hitter Una Vajagic and middle blocker Carter Booth both hit double figures in kills, giving the Badgers a trio that Texas struggled to contain. Booth’s presence at the net was especially impactful, both offensively and defensively, helping Wisconsin build early momentum and keep the Longhorns from getting into rhythm.
The Badgers came out firing, taking the first two sets with authority and putting Texas on the ropes early. After dropping the third set, Wisconsin regrouped and closed the door with a 25-19 win in the fourth - a clinical finish that showed just how locked in this team is right now.
This win also had a little extra meaning. Earlier this season, Texas swept Wisconsin 3-0.
Sunday night? The Badgers flipped the script.
It wasn’t just a win - it was a statement of how far this team has come, and how dangerous they can be when everything clicks.
With the victory, Wisconsin becomes the second No. 3 seed to reach the national semifinals, joining Texas A&M, who earlier in the day upset top-ranked Nebraska. Now, the Badgers turn their attention to No. 1-seed Kentucky in Thursday’s semifinal - another heavyweight matchup on the road to a national title.
If Colyer and company keep playing at this level, Wisconsin’s postseason run might just be getting started.