FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Kentucky volleyball team ended its 1998 season in the second round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament when it fell to the fifth-ranked Florida Gators in three games, 15-11, 15-8, 15-6 on Friday night, Nov. 20 in Barnhill Arena. The Wildcats advanced to the second round after defeating Louisiana State on Friday morning.
The SEC regular-season champion Florida Gators (27-2) dominated the match, outhitting Kentucky .336 to .158. Jennie Keene led the Gators with 15 kills, 19 digs and a .323 hitting percentage while SEC Player of the Year, Jenny Manz recorded 12 kills, four digs and a .258 hitting percentage for the Gators.
Kentucky was led by LaTanya Webb with 12 kills, six digs and a .206 hitting percentage on the night. Sophomore outside hitter Stephenie Taylor also had a big night for the Cats, racking up nine kills and a .400 hitting percentage in the UK loss.
“I’m very proud of the way we struggled against Florida,” UK coach Jona Braden said. “Florida attacked us in areas where we weren’t always able to counter. You can’t give them points because they’re going to capitalize and push you to the wall. I am very proud of our team and I look forward to next year.”
Earlier in the day, Kentucky defeated Louisiana State in four games, 14-16, 16-14, 15-6, 15-9. The Wildcats outhit the Tigers .280 to .184 and were led by junior Katie Eiserman who recorded her twelfth double-double performance of the year, notching a career-high 32 kills, 13 digs and a .404 hitting percentage. LaTanya Webb added 22 kills, seven digs, four service aces and a .429 hitting percentage for UK. Jenny Muzzey recorded her third double-double of the year with 13 kills and 12 digs, along with five block assists for the Cats. Freshman Whitney Sample racked up career-highs in assists (77) and kills (four) against LSU.
The first-round win over LSU marked the 31st for Kentucky all-time in the SEC tournament. The Wildcats also improved their record to 6-4 against the Tigers in tournament play and set up the UK-Florida matchup.
SEC Tournament – Fayetteville, Ark.
Florida def. Kentucky 15-11, 15-8, 15-6
Kentucky def. LSU 14-16, 16-14, 15-6, 15-9
Records: Florida (27-2), Kentucky (16-14), LSU (15-16)
