Badgers burn Phoenix, advance in NCAAs

The sixth-seeded Wisconsin volleyball team earned a first-round victory over Green Bay Thursday night at the UW Field House on the first day of the 2018 NCAA Tournament. The Badgers swept the Phoenix, 25-9, 27-25, 25-15. The Badgers face Pepperdine Friday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in the UW Field House. First serve is set for 7 p.m. and tickets may be purchased at the gate.

Volleyball team members jog out onto the court and high-five a young fan.

Young fans high-five Wisconsin libero Riley Bell (5) as the Badgers head onto the court. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Volleyball team members put their arms around each other to huddle before a game.

Tionna Williams (11) and teammates huddle before the game. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Team members huddle around the coach, who is giving them instructions during a timeout.

Volleyball team members huddle around head coach Kelly Sheffield, at lower center, during a time out. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Two Wisconsin players simultaneously dive for a ball.

Wisconsin liberos Riley Bell (5) and Tiffany Clark (17) come up short in their full-body dives. Photo by: Jeff Miller

A player dives for the ball to set it before it hits the ground.

Wisconsin libero M.E. Dodge (19) dives for the ball. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Volleyball setter Sydney Hilley, wearing no. 12, reaches to spike the ball as other players stand at the ready, in a full-court view.

At bottom, Wisconsin setter Sydney Hilley (2) bumps the ball during the match against UW-Green Bay. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Player Grade Loberg, wearing No. 21, jumps high in the air to spike the ball over opposing players, as the crowd watches.

Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Loberg (21) spikes the ball. Photo by: Jeff Miller

M.E. Dodge, wearing No. 19, lifts her arms in celebration as other players look on in jubilation after a good point.

Wisconsin libero M.E. Dodge (19) celebrates a point. Photo by: Jeff Miller

A view of the entire court after a win over Green Bay. The Badger players are gathered in celebration as the Phoenix players wait for the handshake.

The Badgers celebrate winning a hard-fought second match over the Phoenix. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Badger fans link arms and sing "Varsity" after the victory. Photo by: Jeff Miller

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Photo gallery Badgers burn Phoenix, advance in NCAAs