How to watch, stream, listen to No. 3 Wisconsin's season opener (2024)

The road to Louisville begins, well, it's already underway for the University of Wisconsin volleyball team.

The Badgers hope their season ends not just with their fifth Final Four in six seasons, but also their second national championship. If they accomplish their goal it will be done at the KFC Yum! Center, where the No. 3 Badgers open the regular season at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tuesday against No. 6 Louisville.

Wisconsin's season opener is the first of five matches away from home. It also is part of the AVCA First Serve Showcase, which features two top-10 matches with No. 2 Nebraska playing No. 9 Kentucky at 6 p.m.

Here's what to know before first serve and how to watch, stream or listen to the match.

Freshman Charlie Fuerbringer to direct offense

Fuerbringer, a native of Hermosa Beach, California, was tasked with running the show to a "powerhouse" of hitters. Coach Kelly Sheffield had used a 6-2 lineup the past two years but opted for the traditional 5-1, despite Montana transfer Carly Anderson enrolling for the spring season.

“The first step that she took in the gym, she owned it,” senior middle blocker Caroline Crawford said. “I feel like she stepped into that role and was fearless with it. She never once cowered down during the game. I feel like she was there for every point.

“She’s super trusting. She’s willing to give anyone the ball at any point in time. That’s something that we haven’t quite had and it’s awesome to be a part of.”

Wisconsin blending experience with freshmen

Track star Trinity Shadd-Ceres had nine kills, a service ace, three digs and two blocks in the exhibition. Her previous competition she jumped 20 feet, 1 inch in the Canadian Olympic trials, but didn't qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics despite beating all other Canadian competitors.

“I think everybody in the Field House got a glimpse of the future,” Sheffield said. “And I think she can help us out this year."

But also, the two libero rule new for this season allowed Schumacher, an All-American and club national champion, to get her first action alongside junior Gulce Guctekin and redshirt freshman Saige Damrow. Fellow freshman Maile Chan also substituted as a defensive specialist. It's unclear how, or if, Sheffield will use the new rule but he has seen it executed at a high level.

“The men’s game was able to do it for the first time this past year and UCLA won a national championship utilizing that,” he said.

Louisville is first of three difficult matches

Sheffield has liked to use the nonconference schedule as a learning opportunity, both for him to learn about his team and for his team to handle challenges they hope prepare them for postseason play. When the American Volleyball Coaches Association rankings came out Monday, the challenge at the beginning of the season was apparent.

The Badgers open with sixth-ranked Louisville and then the road gets more difficult. Wisconsin will play No. 1 Texas on Sunday and then No. 5 Stanford next Monday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The Longhorns are the two-time defending national champions and beat the Badgers in last season's national semifinal.

How to watch Wisconsin volleyball's season opener at Louisville

How to stream Wisconsin volleyball's season opener at Louisville

Users with a television or streaming package subscription can also access the match through ESPN+.

How to listen to Wisconsin volleyball's season opener at Louisville