Nebraska Volleyball vs Wisconsin Volleyball–now that’s is a match no true volleyball lover can turn a blind eye to. Only the other day in a thrilling NCAA Regional Final match No. 1 Nebraska defeated No. 2 Wisconsin 24-26, 17-25, 21-25. The Huskers dominated in all the three times the two teams met this season, and this was a bitter swallow for the Badgers’ fans. The top scorer for Wisconsin was Sarah Franklin with 12 kills as the team managed only 38 kills and 22 errors for a hitting efficiency of .126 and 127 attempts. On the other side, Taylor Landfair led the match in kills with 13 as Nebraska hit a more efficient .210 (42 – 17 – 119).

The match started in a typical fashion, with both teams firing at each other, kill for kill. Wisconsin started the match strong with a 4-0 serving run by Gulce Guctekin with kills and blocks by Julia Orzol. Wisconsin moved to an 11-7 lead, but Nebraska came right back with a triple block on Sarah Franklin’s hit to take the wind out of the Badger sails. Gulce Guctekin was a factor, but the Huskers maintained their calm and won the second set by a comfortable 10-point lead. Wisconsin came back in the third set, but Nebraska’s never-ending energy pushed them to win the final set 25-21. And now, after the painful defeat from Nebraska, Wisconsin Volleyball players are now on a track, similar to that of Purdue Volleyball.

Wisconsin Volleyball players follow the Boilermakers!

Abby Barmore, a Nebraska staff writer for Husker Online and On3sports, took to X on December 17 to share a repost by College VBall Transfers announcing that Saige Damrow, a libero from Wisconsin, had entered the transfer portal. Abby’s caption? “Damrow is the second Badger DS to enter the transfer portal along with Gulce Guctekin.” And yep, you heard that right! It’s not just Damrow making the move—Gulce Guctekin entered too!

Lincoln Arneal hopped on X to drop the news about Gulce Guctekin, sharing, “Wisconsin junior defensive specialist Gülce Güçtekin has entered the transfer portal, per sources. The Türkiye native started 29 matches at libero for the Badgers as a freshman, but just 5 over the past two years. She’s averaged 2.93 digs per set in her career and has racked up 79 aces.” Big moves for both Badgers!

Saige Damrow started her first collegiate match in August 2024 and she had two assists and nine digs in the match as a libero. She has been the team’s libero in five of the final five games in the regular season and has participated in 18 games on average of 2.24 digs per set. Saige even recorded career-best service aces twice this season, proving her all-round ability. On the other hand, Gulce Guctekin has only featured in 25 of the 32 matches and has been starting as a libero in five matches.

Guctekin was out for some time because of an injury mid-season, but she came back for the playoffs and was digging at a rate of 2.08 per set. Guctekin has made more than 10 dig performances five times this season, contributing 0.30 service aces per set and has 27 in total. But what is it about Wisconsin players following the steps of Purdue Boilermakers?

From the Boilermakers to the Badgers!

The NCAA Volleyball landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with four leading teams securing a spot in the NCAA semifinals. While anticipation builds for those who remain in contention, there is certainly disappointment for teams that reached the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight, including Wisconsin Volleyball and Purdue Volleyball. The Boilermakers faced a tough loss, being swept by Louisville in the NCAA Regional Semifinals, with set scores of 17-25, 18-25, and 18-25.

From breaking records to setting new standards, Purdue left its mark, with the Boilermakers having a .280 hitting percentage this season. But now, with the season over for them, things are shaking up with the transfer market being open and some key players from Purdue are moving on.

Lincoln Arneal, covering Nebraska Volleyball for Huskers Illustrated, blew up X with a thread revealing that not just one or two, but four Purdue players have entered the transfer portal. “Purdue sophomore hitter Chloe Chicoine has entered the transfer portal, according to sources,” he shared. But that wasn’t all—Lincoln had more to drop. “Purdue redshirt sophomore Lizzie Carr has also entered the transfer portal,” he continued. And just when fans thought they had enough surprises, another name popped up: “Purdue junior outside hitter Eva Hudson has entered the transfer portal, per sources.” Fans are definitely left scratching their heads wondering what’s next for Purdue.