UK volleyball’s quest for first Final Four off to fast start with first-round sweep
In its quest to reach the Final Four for the first time in program history the University of Kentucky volleyball team got off to a good start on Friday, sweeping Southeast Missouri 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-19) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Memorial Coliseum.
After winning its third straight Southeastern Conference title Kentucky earned the No. 9 overall seed in the 64-team tournament, along with the right to host the first two rounds. Kentucky will face Michigan in the round of 32 at 7 p.m. Saturday. In Friday’s first match the Wolverines (21-10) swept Northern Kentucky 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-22).
Kentucky (24-6) was ranked No. 11 in the most recent American Volleyball Coaches Association Poll.
Against Southeast Missouri, SEC Player of the Year Leah Edmond led the Wildcats with 18 kills. The senior helped UK jump out to a 15-9 lead in the first set with five early kills. The Redhawks pulled within 22-19 before the Cats scored three of the next four points, capped by kills from Caitlyn Cooper and Kendyl Paris.
After a back-and-forth battle early in the second set Kentucky took control with a 7-2 run. Alli Stumler ended the frame with her ninth kill. Kentucky scored six straight points to take an 8-4 lead in the third set. After taking their final timeout the Redhawks pulled within 19-17 before back-to-back points from Cooper and Paris steadied the Cats.
UK Coach Craig Skinner said the team’s versatility gives it an edge.
“That’s the nice thing about how we play. There’s no real set way we have to play. Obviously, Leah (Edmond) and Alli (Stumler) get a lot of swings, but when our other attackers get involved and we ball handle and Madison (Lilley) gives them the ball, they’re going to get a lot of opportunities one-on-one.”
Lilley had 33 assists against the Redhawks. The junior setter added 10 digs and three kills.
In the first match, Michigan edged Northern Kentucky in an opening set that featured six lead changes and 11 ties. The Wolverines cruised in set No. 2, then trailed the Norse 22-21 in the final set before ending it with a 4-0 run.
Skinner said he expects Saturday’s meeting with Michigan to be a battle.
“They’re a good team. They have a couple of good left sides who take rips and they’re a very aggressive, attacking team. They have good arms and, obviously, experience, good players who have been in the league for a while and played against good competition. They play pretty loose, pretty relaxed and so we’ll have to play physical, play aggressive and expect a back-and-forth match.”
Saturday’s match will be streamed live on the SEC Network Plus, which is accessible through your satellite or cable provide. Tickets can be found online at UKathletics.com/NCAATickets.
NCAA Tournament
Lexington Regional
At Memorial Coliseum
Saturday’s second round: Kentucky vs. Michigan, 7 p.m.
This story was originally published December 6, 2019 at 10:17 PM.
