The rivalry heats up as Marquette University (MU) prepares to host No. 7 Wisconsin at Fiserv Forum, marking their first face-off since September 2024. The Golden Eagles are buzzing with excitement, as they’ll also compete against No. 15 Florida and No. 12 Minnesota this weekend.
Marquette has kicked off the season with a record of 5-2. They faced a tough start with a close 3-2 loss to Ball State in the Marquette Invitational but bounced back powerfully. They secured two smooth 3-0 victories against James Madison and Milwaukee to finish strong in the tournament.
Historically, these fierce opponents have clashed 26 times. Their last meeting saw Wisconsin emerge victorious with a 3-1 win. Interestingly, Marquette scored its only win against Wisconsin in 2019 when they triumphed in a thrilling five-set match.
When it comes to their upcoming competitors, the Golden Eagles have a mixed history. Against Florida, they’ve played four times, with the Gators leading the series 3-1. Their last showdown in 2014 ended with a tight 3-2 win for Marquette. The match against Minnesota poses a greater challenge; they’ve met five times, with Minnesota winning every matchup, including a straight-set victory in the 2015 NCAA tournament.
As for the teams Marquette will soon face, here’s a quick look at their strengths:
No. 7 Wisconsin (5-1) recently took down No. 21 Georgia Tech with a 3-0 sweep. Their star offensive player, Mimi Colyer, boasts 99 kills so far—averaging an impressive 5.21 kills per match. On the defensive end, Carter Booth stands out with 23 blocks, while Kristen Simon has made significant contributions with 64 digs.
No. 17 Florida (5-2) enters with momentum after a recent 3-2 victory over No. 20 Baylor. Jordyn Byrd leads the Gators offensively with 106 kills, while Jaela Augste and Alex Rothe each have recorded 28 blocks this season, solidifying Florida’s defensive strength.
No. 12 Minnesota (8-1) arrives with an eight-game winning streak. Julia Hanson leads their offense with 125 kills, and Lourdes Myers anchors their defense with 38 blocks.
With thrilling matchups ahead, both fans and players are eager for these encounters. The energy in the arena should be electric, as each team digs deep to claim victory.
