Oct. 5, 2001

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky volleyball team dropped its Southeastern Conference showdown with 17th-ranked South Carolina, 3-1, on Friday, Oct. 5, in Memorial Coliseum.

The Wildcats (7-6, 2-3 SEC) managed to steal game one from the Gamecocks (10-1, 4-1 SEC) before USC rebounded to take three straight and the match. Junior Kristen Batt, who posted 16 kills and six digs in the contest, led the Cats.

Game one was all Kentucky as the Wildcats jumped out to and early 6-2 lead. USC managed to get within two, but Kentucky’s .355 hitting percentage on the game held off the Gamecocks. Game two gave South Carolina a chance to rebound. The Gamecocks pulled out an eight-point lead before UK began to chip away at it. The Cats came within two, but USC finished strong, earning the 30-24 win entering the break.

In game three, South Carolina continued its attack, building a 15-9 lead and forcing a UK timeout. The Gamecocks continue to dominate, however, stretching its lead to as many as nine before cruising to the 30-22 win. Kentucky got one last chance to stop South Carolina in game four and managed to keep things pretty even early on. South Carolina put together a 9-2 run, and its 25-16 run forced the Cats to talk it over.

Kentucky managed to cut the lead to seven, but USC had victory on its mind and used a 4-0 run to end the game and match with the 30-20 win.

“In game one, we executed our plan well,” Coach Jona Braden said. “They were playing into it. They shifted to a different lineup, and those players got more done for South Carolina.

“I’m pleased with how we started this match,” Braden continued. “I’m just very disappointed in how we finished. Of course, I have to commend South Carolina for its tremendous play as well.”

The Cats return to action on Monday, Oct. 8, when they play host to the Evansville Purple Aces at 7p.m. in Memorial Coliseum.

Game Scores

Game One – UK 30, USC 20

Game Two – USC 30, UK 24

Game Three – USC 30, UK 22

Game Four – USC 30, UK 22