Cats eager to avenge earlier loss
(Oct. 26, 2000) — For the second time in 12 days, the Kentucky Wildcats and the Georgia Bulldogs will square off in a Southeastern Conference Eastern Division volleyball battle. Georgia won the first match-up earlier this month inLexington, and the Cats will be looking to return the favor when they travel to Athens for the Friday, October 27, duel at 7 p.m. at the Ramsey Center.
UK (4-16, 2-7 SEC) held a 2-0 lead over UGA on Oct 15, but eventually lost the match in five games. The Catshave held leads of either 2-0 or 2-1 in their last three matches, but have been unable to secure a victory.
“In the last few matches, we just have not been as productive in games four and five,” Coach Jona Braden said. “We play well in the first three and then we’ll have mental and emotional let downs that cost us victories. It isfrustrating from both a coaching and player standpoint, but the physical effort is there and this team is handling itselfvery well.”
With seven matches remaining in the regular season, UK is welcoming the opportunity to improve. Kristen Batthas recorded double-doubles in UK’s last three matches. The sophomore outside hitter has averaged 21.7 kills and18 digs during her recent streak.
Also contributing is Megan Weiskircher, who has continued her terrific play posting double-doubles in two of theCats’ previous three contests. The senior currently leads the team with 280 kills, 179 digs and ranks second with 73total blocks.
In the season’s first meeting with UGA, four Cats reached double-digits in the kill column: Batt’s career-high 27 ledthe team, Weiskircher notched 18, Sissy Canfield posted 13 and April Barnhorst contributed with 11.
UGA (12-9, 4-5) has won its last three matches, all SEC contests, and boasts the reigning SEC Player of theWeek in Stacey Buerger. Buerger hit .329 with 33 kills and 15 digs when the Lady Bulldogs visited MemorialColiseum.
“Buerger is a good player and she is going to get her kills. What we need to do is try to keep her contained bylimiting her number of touches,” Braden said.
According to Braden, the Cats would like nothing better than to beat the Lady Bulldogs on their home court.
“It is always a huge match when Kentucky and Georgia meet. Quite a rivalry has developed between these twoschools,” Braden added.
