Wisconsin Sweeps Rutgers, Secures Big Ten Double-Bye
Grace Lopez posted her first career double-double as Wisconsin won 25-17, 25-16, 26-24 in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Volleyball
Wisconsin volleyball swept Rutgers in three sets on November 12, 2026, winning 25-17, 25-16, 26-24 at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. The win also clinched a double-bye in the inaugural Big Ten tournament.
Why it matters
The double-bye gives Wisconsin a head start in the first Big Ten tournament, skipping the opening round. For Wisconsin readers, the result marks a strong finish to the regular-season run in the conference.
Grace Lopez led Wisconsin with 11 kills on a .429 hitting percentage, adding 11 digs, three blocks and one ace, while Jaela Auguste hit .769 with 10 kills and Lynney Tarnow hit .583 with eight kills. Wisconsin held Rutgers to a .126 team hitting percentage, though the source does not indicate how that figure compares with the Scarlet Knights' season average.
The players
Grace Lopez
Wisconsin volleyball player who led her team with 11 kills and recorded her first career double-double in the sweep of Rutgers.
The details
Wisconsin trailed late in the third set, when Rutgers faced set point at 24-23, before winning the final three points to finish the sweep. Grace Egan made her first start since recovering from a back injury, and Charlie Fuerbringer tied her career high with four aces.
Timeline
November 12, 2026: Wisconsin swept Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Season Trajectory
The double-bye is the first postseason advantage granted under the Big Ten's inaugural volleyball tournament format, which rewards top regular-season finishers with a first-round exemption. Wisconsin's sweep positions it to begin tournament play a round later than teams that must win an opening match.
The double-bye means Wisconsin will not play in the opening round of the Big Ten tournament, so fans following the bracket should expect the team's first postseason match to come later than most conference opponents. Fantasy and bracket players tracking Grace Lopez should note her 11-kill, 11-dig performance in this match.
The takeaway
Wisconsin's sweep shows the value of a strong regular-season finish in the Big Ten's new tournament format. Fans can track how the double-bye affects the team's path through the bracket.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Volleyball coverage across the conference.
