Oct. 14, 2001
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky volleyball team swept the Auburn Tigers, 3-0, on Sunday, Oct. 14, to move to 3-4 in Southeastern Conference play. The Wildcats (9-7) relied on a stellar performance from junior Anne Koester, who hit a career-best .900 for the match, to seal the victory.
Koester looked strong for UK, tallying nine kills on 10 attacks, while freshman Katie Bright made a quick impact in game three, posting three kills on six attacks for a .500 hitting percentage. Sophomore setter Kristi Kelley had a strong game for the Cats, recording a season-high 40 assists in the three-game match.
Auburn (1-15, 0-8 SEC) took an early two-point lead in the first game before UK went on a 7-0 run to move ahead 7-2. The Cats continued to compile the points after three AU errors. With a 16-9 lead, the Cats pulled away, using two Sarah Spinner kills down the stretch to grab the 30-18 win.
In the second game, Auburn came out strong, building a quick 6-1 lead before the Cats came alive, tying the match after a 5-0 run. The teams played close for a while until UK built a 10-point lead after three Spinner kills and a Lauren Speelman service ace. Kentucky used a cross-court kill by Kristen Batt to take the game 30-19.
The Cats and Tigers kept things close in the third game, with Auburn grabbing its first game lead of the match at 11-10. UK used a 7-2 run to earn a 17-13 lead. Strong play by the Wildcats down the stretch kept Auburn at bay, as Kentucky took the game and match with the 30-21 win on an AU service error.
“Our whole focus in the process of building and growing this team and program is to come together as a collective unit when it matters,” Coach Jona Braden said. “It’s important for us to stay focused and fix our mistakes. I think the team was more comfortable with Kristi (Kelley) in the lineup today, as well.”
The Cats return to action on Thursday, Oct. 18, when they play host to Butler at 7 p.m. before traveling to South Carolina on Sunday, Oct. 21, for a 2 p.m. league match.
Game Scores
Game One – UK 30, AU 18
Game Two – UK 30, AU 19
Game Three – UK 30, AU 21
