November 14, 1998

Lexington, Ky. – The University of Kentucky volleyball team (15-13, 6-8 Southeastern Conference) ended its regular season Saturday night with a loss to the No. 5 Florida Gators.

The Wildcats struggled in game one as Florida posted a 10-0 run to take the first set. Kentucky battled in game two, but fell short as UF was able to hold on and take the game 15-12. UK won the third game by a score of 15-12. This marked the first time in four years that UK had won a game against the Gators. The Wildcats continued to battle, but fell short as Florida took the final set and the match.

Seniors LaTanya Webb and Jenny Muzzey, who were honored prior to their final home game, led the Wildcat attack with 17 and 15 kills, respectively. Junior Katie Eiserman recorded her eleventh double-double performance of the year with 10 kills and 10 digs on the night.

“This was definitely a fight,” UK coach Jona Braden said. “We struggled in game one, but we were able to gather our focus and push ahead, which is what we wanted to be able to do.”

Florida (26-2, 14-0 SEC) was led by senior Jennie Keene with 20 kills and 15 digs on the night. Junior Jenny Manz also had a big night for the Gators, posting 18 kills, 13 digs and a .364 hitting percentage in the win.

The Wildcats will play in the SEC Tournament next weekend in Fayetteville, Ark. UK is currently the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Division, which could potentially lead to a matchup with the same Florida Gators on Friday, Nov. 20. The tournament brackets will be announced after this weekend’s SEC competition is completed.