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Wisconsin Volleyball Faces Tough Opener at AVCA First Serve

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 16th 2026 at 12:40 GMT by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Milwaukee, WI - January 16, 2026 - The Wisconsin volleyball team is gearing up for the 2026 season, and a challenging opener awaits them at the prestigious AVCA First Serve Tournament in Milwaukee, November 20-22, 2026. Held at the U.S. Cellular Community Park, this year's tournament promises a compelling mix of established powerhouses and rising programs, setting the stage for an exciting early-season showcase.

The AVCA First Serve Tournament has quickly become a key event on the collegiate volleyball calendar, drawing top teams for a pre-conference gauntlet. The 2026 edition boasts an impressive 16-team field, including several perennial national contenders and teams looking to make a statement. Wisconsin's participation underscores the program's commitment to competing at the highest level.

"We're eager to return to the court and face a field brimming with talent," stated Head Coach Missy Franklin. "AVCA First Serve offers an invaluable opportunity to highlight our program and provide our team with critical experience heading into the demanding Big Ten schedule."

Returning Experience and New Talent

The Badgers are entering the 2026 season with a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Returning six starters from last year's squad, which posted a solid 24-9 record and secured a place in the NCAA tournament, provides a strong foundation. Coach Franklin emphasized the importance of this returning experience, which allows the team to build upon past successes and maintain a high level of play.

The incoming class is also expected to contribute significantly. While specific details about the new recruits haven't been widely publicized yet, Franklin indicated that the program has identified players with the potential to make an immediate impact. This infusion of fresh talent will be crucial in maintaining Wisconsin's competitiveness in the always-challenging Big Ten Conference.

A Crucial Early Season Test

The AVCA First Serve Tournament is more than just a season opener; it's a critical evaluation period for the Badgers. The intense competition will provide Coach Franklin and her staff with the opportunity to assess their team's strengths and weaknesses, fine-tune strategies, and identify areas for improvement before the conference season begins. The games against high-caliber opponents will expose vulnerabilities and highlight areas where adjustments are needed.

"This tournament is a chance to really evaluate where we stand as a team," Franklin explained. "It's invaluable feedback that we can use to guide our practice sessions and game planning in the weeks leading up to the Big Ten season."

A Look at the Competition

The 2026 AVCA First Serve Tournament field presents a significant challenge for Wisconsin. Among the teams vying for supremacy are several formidable opponents, including:

• Arizona State: Known for their aggressive style of play.
• Baylor: Consistently a strong program in the Big 12.
• Creighton: A perennial contender from the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Duke: An ACC powerhouse.
• Florida State: A program on the rise in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
• Houston: A competitive team from the American Athletic Conference.
• Iowa State: A Big 12 rival.
• Kansas: Another strong team from the Big 12.
• Kentucky: A perennial SEC contender.
• Long Beach State: A West Coast program with a history of success.
• Marist: A strong team from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
• Oregon: A Pac-12 team known for its dynamic offense.
• Stanford: A historic national champion and a constant threat.
• Texas: A Big 12 powerhouse and a frequent NCAA tournament participant.

Wisconsin's success at the tournament will depend not only on their own performance but also on their ability to adapt to the diverse styles and strategies of their opponents. The Badgers are aiming to contend for both a Big Ten title and a return trip to the NCAA tournament, and the AVCA First Serve Tournament represents a significant step towards achieving those goals.