Sept. 8, 2001
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The University of Kentucky volleyball team closed out play in the Radisson Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 8, with a 3-0 sweep of Valparaiso. The two-day tournament, which was hosted by Western Michigan, was played at the University Center on WMU’s campus in Kalamazoo, Mich.
UK (4-3, 0-0 Southeastern Conference), which defeated James Madison, 3-1, in the day’s opening match, continued to improve its play throughout the weekend, finishing the tournament with a 2-1 record. Leading the way for the Cats was sophomore Sissy Canfield, who tallied 12 kills and a .409 hitting percentage. Kentucky hit .248 as a team.
In the match’s first game, Kentucky quickly took control of the match and remained in the lead for the entire game, cruising to a 30-20 win. The Cats hit .161 on the game to Valpo’s .000.
In game two, VU (0-5, 0-0) took and early lead before UK tied things up at four. Using scrappy play, the Wildcats built a 23-17 lead, forcing a Crusader timeout. Two Canfield kills down the stretch helped seal the fifth 30-20 UK game score of the day. Freshman Sarah Spinner recorded seven digs and five kills in the game, including the deciding kill.
The Cats remained strong entering the third game, jumping out to an 11-5 lead. The Crusaders weren’t ready to call it a day though, as they forced several ties down the stretch before UK grabbed the 30-27 win on an April Barnhorst kill.
“The team was so focused on putting forth a collective team effort in this match,” Coach Jona Braden said. “They worked together to make things happen, which allowed us the opportunity to work on some tactical option for the future.
“The team never underestimated Valparaiso,” Braden continued. “Their respect for their opponent helped them to not give anything away.”
The Cats return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 11, when they travel to Louisville, Ky., to face intrastate rival U of L. The Cats and Cards do battle at 7 p.m.
Game Scores
Game One – UK 30, VU 20
Game Two – UK 30, VU 20
Game Three – UK 30, VU 27
