Former Badger's Inside Scoop: Why Wisconsin Has the Edge Against Texas

Wisconsin will meet Texas in the NCAA Women's Volleyball semifinals on Thursday night.

On the Bleav in Badgers podcast, former Wisconsin volleyball player Alexis Steinbach previewed the Badger's upcoming Final Four matchup with Texas.

Steinbach likes her alma mater's chances to advance to the national title game despite Texas being the defending champions in volleyball. Wisconsin defeated Oregon three sets to one in their last match but faces a much more difficult task if they hope to continue their dominant run.

"If Wisconsin can stay in the system, they are much deeper, in my opinion, than Texas is," said Steinbach. "They are really in control of the match when they are in the system. Putting pressure on the big outside hitters to have to pass and hit at the same time and really challenge them is going to be important."

The Badgers claimed the title as the best team in the nation in 2021 and will look to make it twice in three years with two more victories. Wisconsin leads the country in several key statistics, including blocks per set.

"Several players on Texas have won a national title, but that is really not that different from Wisconsin. So, they have both been in these situations, but I like the Badgers chances, and I think they are quite deep," said Steinbach.

Wisconsin will be tasked with slowing down Texas senior Asjia O'neal, who is coming off of back-to-back ten-kill performances. Wisconsin is a 1.5-point favorite in Thursday's semifinal match against Texas according to BetOnline.