But perhaps Nelson’s biggest contribution came in the team huddle as the Badgers faced elimination in the fourth set.

“She really got into the team in a way that, you know, captains and leaders do,” Sheffield said. “The strength and the confidence and how she communicated is exactly what our team needed, and the team followed her. So proud of how far she has come to demand at the biggest time, and everybody gave her full attention and responded appropriately.”

Nelson was a little vague on her exact words, but the gist of her message was clear.

“This wasn't going to be the last match that I played with these people that I love so much,” Nelson said. “I just wanted them to know that and that we were going to take the momentum back and we were going to win that match, whether it was going to take us diving into the stands, whatever it was going to take. I knew we were going to come back.”

The Badgers needed a five-point service run by sophomore Amber MacDonald to get back in the game. That run, which included an ace, gave UW a 20-19 lead. Ohio State responded with two points but the Badgers finished on a 5-1 run to force a fifth set.