Oct. 13, 2001

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky volleyball team looks to get back on the winning track on Sunday, Oct. 14, when it plays host to the Auburn Tigers at 2 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum.

Kentucky (8-7, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) suffered a tough defeat on Friday night against the Crimson Tide. Less than a day after losing senior setter Whitney Sample to a finger fracture, the Wildcats were swept by league foe Alabama, 3-0. Sophomore Kristi Kelley made her first start of the 2001 season in place of Sample, who underwent surgery to correct the broken pinky finger on Friday. She could return to practice as early as next week.

This Sunday’s match marks the 22nd meeting between Kentucky and Auburn. The Cats hold a 16-5 advantage in the series, which began Oct. 29, 1977, with a 2-0 UK win in Lexington. The Tigers took last year’s match in Auburn by a score of 3-2.

AU is still looking for its first SEC win of the season after being swept by Tennessee on Friday night after being swept by both No. 8 Florida and Georgia last week. Junior Grace Boyd led the team offensively with seven kills against the Vols, while junior Kathia McKenzie contributed nine digs. Tennessee hit .368 overall while Auburn hit .078 for the match.

Auburn is currently fourth in the SEC in digs during conference play, averaging 14.60 per game. McKenzie is sixth in the conference in digs per game with a 2.95 average in all games.The match also marks UK’s celebration of the 25th anniversary of the volleyball program. Several former players will be in attendance and will be recognized at the matinee match.