Julie Hay Limestone Sports Network Contributor
The 14th-ranked University of Kentucky Volleyball Team notched their 21st win of the season Wednesday night in Memorial Coliseum by sweeping the University of Missouri in 3 sets (25-18, 25-18, 25-21). It only took 1 hour and 28 minutes to send the Tigers on their way back to Columbia behind a strong team effort by the Cats.
Led by senior Leah Edmond’s 18 kills, UK recorded 39 for the match; several coming from back row attacks by Edmond and sophomore Alli Stumler, who also logged 10 kills on the night. Middles Leah Meyer and Kendyl Paris contributed 4 each to the balanced offense and a .272 hitting percentage.
On the defensive side of the ball, blocking was strong against the Tigers, who are the SEC leader in kills per set at 14.88. Leah Meyer (7) and Madison Lilley (6) dominated net play, contributing to over half of the team’s 21 blocks.
Although setter Madison Lilley was the assist leader with 37, it could be said that Kentucky Coach Craig Skinner had 3 of his own, as he was forced to use all of his team’s challenges early in the first set. He won them all, which gave points and momentum back to the Wildcats to allow them to close out set on a Leah Edmond kill.
The only time during the match that the Cats did not lead was the beginning of the second set. They took over at 11-10 and never looked back, ending both the second and 3rd set with blocks.
UK could have let their guard down against Mizzou after Sunday’s epic 5-set win against the University of Florida in Gainsville but proved why they are once again leaders of the SEC going into the final few matches of the season. Kentucky and Florida both have 2 losses in conference play, but UK has beaten UF on both occasions of head-to-head play.
After the win over Florida on Sunday, several honors were bestowed upon UK players this week. Leah Edmond was named the Sports Imports/American Volleyball Coaches’ Association National Player of the Week, SEC Player of the Week and SEC Offensive Player of the Week (for the second week in a row). Leah is the second Wildcat to win the honor this season (Alli Stumler won it on October 1st). In addition to Edmond, 2 others, Madison Lilley (Setter of the Week) and Gabby Curry (Defensive Player of the Week) were recognized for their efforts on the court.
Kentucky’s next match is November 27th against LSU in Baton Rouge. Their final match before the NCAA tournament is at home versus Ole Miss on November 30th.
Philip Hay Photo Credits