LEXINGTON, Ky. ? The Kentucky volleyball team coming off a 22-10 fall season has officially opened spring practice which has begun with a high-level of competitiveness and spirit.

Kentucky enjoyed an outstanding fall season that saw them make a trip to the NCAA Championships for a school-record third consecutive season. With their 22 wins, they eclipsed the 20-win plateau for the first time since 1993 and have won 17 matches or more for three straight seasons. UK concluded the season with the most ever SEC victories and the most ever road wins in program history. Junior Queen Nzenwa earned All-America accolades as a member of the AVCA All-America Honorable Mention squad. Nzenwa is UK?s first All-American in early 15 years.

The Wildcats kicked off spring practice earlier this week and will host two matches later this spring in conjunction with off-season workouts. Up first is a date with Illinois set for Sat., March 29, at 1 p.m., in Memorial Coliseum. Morehead State will visit UK April 25, for a 6 p.m. start time.

The team is highly motivated to continue their upward swing among the ranks of the SEC and nationally and have dedicated themselves to the weight room and conditioning in the offseason. Under strength and conditioning coach Stephanie Tracey-Simmons? direction the team has developed increased strength and quickness from off-season workouts. The added power and agility has amplified the intensity and competitiveness of spring practices.

?We couldn?t be more excited about our team?s improvement over the winter,? said Head Coach Craig Skinner. ?Coach Tracey has done a tremendous job of getting our players in elite shape. There has been significant improvement in their vertical jump, and they are really hitting the ball hard in practice. I was blown away on Monday at their strength and movement on the court. It was an impressive day in our gym. We can?t wait to compete this spring.?

UK players have already reached personal bests in their measured off-season workout plans. The improvements in the workout regiments have resulted in improved play on the court. Kentucky is excited to see the results of their hard-work on the floor when they host Illinois later this month and Morehead State in April.

Complete coverage of the UK volleyball team can be found at www.ukathletics.com.