MADISON, Wis. – The Wildcats fell in three sets, 17-25, 21-25, 20-25, to the No. 1 Wisconsin Badgers on Thursday night in Madison, Wisconsin.
 
Sofia Maldonado Diaz led Arizona's attack with 13 kills and a career-high .462 hitting percentage. She also led the defense with four kills and six digs.
 
Wisconsin won the opening set, 17-25. Arizona's attack was limited to only five kills – led by Maldonado Diaz with two kills. The Arizona defense had 3.5 blocks to keep the set close including a triple block by Alayna Johnson, Maldonado Diaz, and Jordan Wilson.
 
The Cats fell to 0-2 in the match after Wisconsin won the second set, 21-25. Arizona found their offense in the second set, hitting .303 on 14 kills as a team. Maldonado Diaz once again led the attack with six while hitting .500. Jaelyn Hodge followed with three kills and Nicole Johnson and Johnson had two kills each.
 
Arizona lost the third set, 20-25. Despite Arizona hitting .417 and holding Wisconsin to a .250 hitting percentage, the Badgers served six aces in the set to win the match. Maldonado Diaz recorded five kills and a .455 clip and Hodge had three kills while hitting .500 in the set.
 
The Cats will take on Miami (FL) on Saturday, September 9 at 5 p.m. MST in Madison to close out the weekend.
 
Match Leaders
Kills: Sofia Maldonado Diaz – 13
Assists: Ana Heath – 23
Digs: Ana Heath, Sofia Maldonado Diaz & Giorgia Mandotti – 6
Blocks: Sofia Maldonado Diaz – 4