‘We’re here for a repeat’: Electric fans cheer Badger women’s volleyball to regional win

MADISON, Wis. — Both the inside and outside of the UW Field House were alive with red and white Thursday as fans packed the old barn for the women’s volleyball regional.

The Badger spirit ran through the young and old, and they were all there for one thing: “We’re here for a repeat,” said senior Will Morris.

Some fans like Austin Yeast came with some pretty lofty predictions.

“Pure domination. we’re going 3 sets, 25-0 easy,” he said.

Of course, the game was actually much closer, with Wisconsin edging out Penn State 3-2 in five sets.

“We have been following them quite heavily this season so we’re really excited for postseason games and that we’re able to come to one of them,” said junior Rachel Kayman, attending the game with Morris.

Excitement wasn’t enough for some to beat the rush for tickets – the Field House sold out quickly.

Thankfully Morris had a heavy hitter on his team.

“My mom actually got me the tickets and waited at the time for it to come out, like 9 a.m. So she got tickets for both of us,” he said.

For some spectators, this will be their second year in a row watching the Badgers advance, but some other young fans just started witnessing what may be a women’s volleyball dynasty.

“We got really excited for the championship last year and we’ve been going to lots of games this year haven’t we?” Dan Sarback said to his little boy, Gus. “Hope the win streak keeps going and the tournament rolls on.”

And the post-win night was definitely still young for UW students.

“Madison’s going to be fun,” Yeast said.

“I’m going to go crazy,” said Kayman.

“It’ll be electric, I don’t think any homework will be done tonight,” Morris replied.

Now fans will have to continue bringing that energy as the Badgers advance to the Elite 8, paving the way for their second NCAA Championship.