The No. 5 Texas Longhorns defeated the No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers 3-0 (29-27, 25-20, 25-14) on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams entered the contest 1-0 after Friday wins over No. 12 Creighton and No. 14 Kansas, respectively. Texas dispatched of Creighton 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 26-24), while the Badgers needed five sets to defeat the Jayhawks 3-2 (25-16, 18-25, 25-18, 26-28, 15-10). Texas’ win over the Badgers is their third in as many seasons, a streak that includes the 2023 NCAA semifinal and a 2024 early season matchup.
Grace Egan led the way for the Badgers against the Longhorns with 16 kills and 12 digs. Mimi Colyer also impressed in her second game as a Badger, totaling 14 kills and eight digs. However, Colyer’s 10 errors highlight a major discrepancy between the two teams on the scoreboard. Wisconsin finished with 34 errors (eight service), compared to just 14 from Texas. That difference erased the Badgers’ narrow edge in kills (45 to 44) and digs (55 to 49).
Texas improves to 2-0 and has two signature victories. The team could rise closer to the nation’s top spot held by Nebraska. Wisconsin, meanwhile, falls to 1-1. Its next contest is Thursday, Sept. 4, against UC Davis at the UW Field House.
With Sunday’s premier early season match complete, here is a recap of the action and all of the notable in-game highlights.
Third Set Final: Texas 25, Wisconsin 24 (Texas wins 3-0)
While Wisconsin battled back to nearly steal the first set, the team had few answers for the Longhorns’ impressive offensive attack. Grace Eden led the game with 16 kills, with Mimi Colyer adding 13 and Una Vajagic 10. Texas received more balanced contributions, with Cari Spears leading the way with 11 kills and zero errors. Wisconsin’s 33 errors to Texas’ 13 proved a major difference.
Texas nearing three-set victory: Texas 17, Wisconsin 9 (third set)
Wisconsin doesn’t have an answer for Texas’ consistent attack and strong front-line defense. The Longhorns are up to 40 kills and nine blocks, compared to just 13 errors. Wisconsin has 30 errors, eight of them on serves. The team will need some heroics to force a fourth set.
Texas starting to pull away: Texas 13, Wisconsin 8 (third set)
Wisconsin is in danger of getting swept by the No. 5 Longhorns. Texas has built a five-point lead midway through the third set, thanks to a critical 4-0 run. The Badgers need quick momentum before the lead becomes insurmountable.
Third set follows similar opening script: Texas 9, Wisconsin 7
Wisconsin and Texas are trading points to start the third set. Grace Egan is up to a game-high 15 kills, while Cari Spears is up to 10 kills without an error. Wisconsin’s 26 total errors (eight service) continue to explain the discrepancy on the scoreboard.
Second Set Final: Texas 25, Wisconsin 20 (Texas leads 2-0)
Texas takes the second set after a decisive closing stretch. A service ace and a key block on Carter Booth pushed the Longhorns up 24-20, giving them four set points. Unlike in the first frame, the team closed the door on its first chance. Wisconsin needs a major comeback to get back into the match.
Key challenge shifts momentum: Texas 21, Wisconsin 19 (second set)
Una Vajagic appeared to notch her 10th kill, which would have evened the score at 20. Instead, a Texas challenge reversed the call on the court. That pushes the Longhorns ahead 21-19 entering the set’s deciding stretch.
Timeout: Texas 19, Wisconsin 17 (second set)
Texas has a narrow edge entering the final stage of the second set. Cari Spears is up to nine kills without a single error.
Grace Egan continues terrific game: Wisconsin 16, Texas 16
Egan has a game-high 11 kills midway through the second set. Wisconsin is up to 30 kills as a team, compared to 26 from Texas. The Badgers’ 19 errors (seven service) continue to be the biggest factor in Texas holding a one-set lead.
Timeout: Texas 15, Wisconsin 12 (second set)
Texas is starting to control the second set. It went on a key 4-1 run, building a 14-11 lead, before a service error halted their momentum. Wisconsin will need the same late-set push it found to close the first frame.
Second set starts fast: Texas 10, Wisconsin 10
Both teams picked up right where they left off at the end of the first set. Texas freshman Cari Spears is up to eight kills without an error. Wisconsin is starting to clean up its serving issues, with two aces to one service error now nearly midway through the set.
First Set Final: Texas 29, Wisconsin 27
Texas survived a rollercoaster first set with three straight points after trailing 27-26. Wisconsin leads several key statistical categories, though 13 total errors (five service) proved the difference. If the first set is any indication, we should be in for a terrific match.
Wisconsin battles back: Wisconsin 27, Texas 26
Despite trailing by as many as seven points and facing three set points, Wisconsin has battled back to tie the first set. Grace Egan’s eight kills continue to lead the game. Wisconsin is up to 19 total kills, compared to 15 from Texas.
First set is coming down to the wire: Texas 22, Wisconsin 20
Despite 10 combined errors, Wisconsin is hanging strong with Texas. Grace Egan is up to six kills of Wisconsin’s 12 total. The Badgers still need a stretch of mistake-free volleyball to sneak back and capture the first set.
Wisconsin mounting a run: Texas 16, Wisconsin 14
Wisconsin is on a 5-0 run to get back into the first set. Grace Egan still leads the Badgers with four kills, while Una Vajagic and Mimi Colyer each have two. The team has 16 digs to Texas’ 10 and is close to matching the Longhorns’ kill total.
Timeout: Texas 14, Wisconsin 9
Texas is maintaining a first-set edge over Wisconsin. Freshman Abby Vander Wal has three of the Longhorns’ nine total kills. Wisconsin has six kills and six errors in the early going.
Texas takes control: Texas 10, Wisconsin 5
Texas is on a five-point run after the first set was tied 5-5. Several Wisconsin errors have allowed Texas to build a separation.
Back-and-forth first set: Wisconsin 5, Texas 5
Wisconsin and Texas are trading blows to start the match. The Badgers went up 2-0 before Texas won four straight points. Wisconsin then responded with a pair of wins. Neither team is establishing separation in the early going.
Wisconsin vs. Texas is underway
Wisconsin, with serve to start the first set, jumps out to an early 2-0 lead. Sophomore Grace Egan with kills on each of the first two points.
What channel is the Wisconsin vs. Texas volleyball game? Time, TV schedule
TV Channel: Big Ten Network
Start Time: 2 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. CT
The Badgers and Longhorns will kick off at 2 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network. The game will also be available via streaming on the Fox Sports App.
Where to watch the Wisconsin-Texas volleyball game on livestream
Wisconsin volleyball vs. No. 5 Texas will be available via streaming on Fox and the Fox Sports App.
Watch Wisconsin volleyball vs. No. 5 Texas on Fubo
Wisconsin Volleyball Schedule 2025-26
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin volleyball falls to No. 5 Texas: Recap, instant reaction
Reporting by Ben Kenney, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
