Julie Hay
Limestone Sports Network
The National Champion University of Kentucky Wildcats Volleyball Team opened SEC play against the Missouri Tigers in Lexington on Friday night, winning the match in 3 sets (27-25, 25-23, 25-22). The Cats finished non-conference play earlier in the week and are currently ranked #7 in the AVCA Coches Poll with a 7-3 record, most recently coming off a 5 set win versus # 14 Stanford University.
Missouri came into Memorial Coliseum 3-10 but played much stronger than their win-loss record shows, as Kentucky had to come from behind late in all 3 sets. Coach Craig Skinner credits the team’s resiliency and composure for being able to win despite not having their best play, especially with their service and passing game.
The Cats got off to a slow start in the first set, giving Mizzou a 7 point lead early on by allowing 4 service aces while making 4 service errors. The team battled back behind the play of middle blockers, Azhani Tealer and Elise Goetzinger, each finishing the set with 5 kills and 1 block.
In the second set, Kentucky and Missouri were tied at points 18, 20 and 21 before the Cats were able to take the lead. Coach Skinner gets the credit for the final point as he used a challenge on a call that would have tied the game again at 24 all had it not been reversed in Kentucky’s favor. The replay showed and extra touch against the Tigers in the middle of a long rally to give the point and the set to Kentucky.
The Wildcats opened the third set with a powerful back row attack by Madi Skinner. Shortly after she added to her kills total with a hard swing on an overpassed ball. Unfortunately, Kentucky again struggled with their passes and had to play most of the set out of their offensive system. They trailed Missouri 11-15 but came back to tie the Tigers at 19 and then pull ahead to win the set and match.
After the game, senior Alli Stumler spoke proudly about the young team, saying “I am encouraged by the fight and grit.” She informed the group is learning every day in practice and they are still getting to know each other, but “I don’t want to go to battle with anyone else.” High praise from an All-American that is playing without 3 All-American teammates (Madison Lilley, Avery Skinner and Gabby Curry) from the 2020 National Championship team.
Stumler finished the match with 10 kills, 2 blocks, 10 digs and 1 service ace. Azhani Tealer led the team in kills with 14, while Madi Skinner added 12. Elise Goetzinger (8) and Reagan Rutherford (5) also contributed to the team’s 49 (.306 hitting percentage). Freshman setter Emma Grome handed out 41 assits and freshman libero Eleanor Beavin had 16 digs.
Kentucky will go to Ole Miss on September 29th (7 pm on SEC+) while Missouri heads home to face South Carolina in back-to-back matches on September 30th and October 1st.