The No. 2-seeded Badgers just had the most nerve-wracking match, fighting through a five-set thriller to beat No. 6 Texas A&M, 25-21, 18-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-13, under the Friday night lights. This weekend was filled with breathtaking rallies, clutch plays, and a pep that could light up a stadium. By doing so, Wisconsin earns a place in the Regional Final for the seventh year in a row. Oh, what a dynasty in the making! Taking the lead, Sarah Franklin was in beast mode, attacking with 21 kills as if it were a regular day at work.

On the other hand, Carter Booth dominated the match with a career-best of 14 kills, while Anna Smrek also followed the 10 kills mark. The Badgers swung with power and managed to achieve an average of .257 hitting 67 kills on the night. The tension in the gym was palpable, with Nebraska fans hilariously rooting for Texas A&M, hoping to dodge their biggest rival, Wisconsin, in a potential Elite Eight showdown. But fate had other plans, and now the stage is set for an epic clash. And now, with the Badgers advancing and Nebraska locked in as their opponent, Sarah Franklin isn’t holding back, as she made a bold statement.

During the post-match talk shared by Inside Nebraska, Sarah Franklin had her moment under the spotlight during the press conference. When a journalist threw her a question dripping with intrigue—“Sarah, did you hear the ‘Let’s go Aggies’ chant at the end of the fifth set at all? What was your reaction to that?”—her response was a mic-drop moment that oozed pure competitive fire.

That smile that could outshine a winning spike, Sarah snapped back: “I mean, it gets us fired up. If you’re with us, you’re with us. If you’re not, you’re not. We’re gonna ball out no matter what.” Talk about a vibe! Whether they chant for them or against them, the Badgers understand how to turn it up, meaning that every game is a fight.

And guess what? Despite Nebraska fans rallying behind Texas in hopes of dodging their fiercest rival, Wisconsin’s grit couldn’t be stopped! Now the stage is set for an epic showdown as the Badgers lock horns with Nebraska on December 15 in the regional finals. The Huskers punched their ticket with a commanding 3-1 win over 23rd-ranked Dayton, lighting up the Bob Devaney Sports Center with 8,725 roaring fans.

Harper Murray was on absolute fire, slamming down a career-high 22 kills, hitting .318, and sprinkling in a season-best 16 digs, four blocks, and four service aces for good measure. And let’s not forget the defensive clinic! Lexi Rodriguez tied her season high with 22 digs, while the Big Red held Dayton to an eye-popping .087 attack percentage—the Flyers hadn’t been stifled like that in over 100 matches. Talk about dominance!

Now, all eyes are on the Huskers and Sarah Franklin’s Wisconsin as two titans of the volleyball world prepare for another classic. These teams have been sparking rivalries and breaking records every time they share the court. So what is up with these rivals?

Sarah Franklin and Co’s rivals!

People witnessed a great match when Nebraska and Wisconsin faced each other in the women’s volleyball national championship in 2021. The Badgers took their first ever title in a dramatic five-set battle and the Huskers were left one victory short of a sixth title. The record-breaking crowd of 18,755 that filled the arena? Proof that volleyball was ready to take its place in the spotlight. That unforgettable showdown not only put the rivalry on the map but also gave the sport a much-needed boost, turning casual spectators into die-hard fans. However, despite the fact that Texas has clinched the last two titles, it is Nebraska and Wisconsin who are dominating the court and fueling the expansion of the sport.

Fast forward to this year and the Huskers and the Badgers are once again on the same side of the same division. After winning the Sweet 16 games, the teams are set to play the game in the elite eight which has fans of volleyball excited. “This is clearly not just any other game to these players and the fans. It’s a lot deeper than that,” Emily Ehman shared, capturing the intensity of the rivalry.

Nebraska has swept Wisconsin twice this season, but as any college volleyball fan knows, it is never easy to beat a top team three times. Holly McPeak, joining the conversation, said, “Nebraska has been pretty dominant in their wins so far. But can Wisconsin make some adjustments and play at a better level? I think they can. But I don’t know if they can beat Nebraska. That’s a big ask.”

Meanwhile, Nebraska continues to set records, from drawing massive viewership to selling out gyms nationwide. If the Huskers are around, they are sure to turn up the heat. “It’s amazing what Nebraska does,” McPeak said. For now, all eyes are locked on this epic rivalry as Lexi Rodriguez and her squad, along with Sarah Franklin and her crew, gear up to bring the fire in the regional finals.