Nov. 20, 2008
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Fresh off a program-changing victory over Florida on Sunday, the University of Kentucky volleyball team hits the road for the final time during the regular season with a trip to Auburn. The match is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start ET on Friday.
The Blue and White (25-4, 16-2) hold a half of a match edge in the SEC standings over Florida with two regular season match-ups remaining on the slate. Two UK players were recognized this week by the Southeastern Conference office. Junior Sarah Rumely was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week and freshman Becky Pavan was tabbed the SEC Freshman of the Week. They are the first honors of the season for both players.
Under Head Coach Craig Skinner the Wildcats have already set a number of records in his four-year tenure with the program. The team has appeared in three-straight NCAA tournaments, a feat never achieved before in the storied program. But, Skinner has also upped his win total in each of his four seasons. As a first year coach the squad won 17 matches, and then 19 in his second season. Last year UK clipped the 20-win plateau with 22 victories. He’s done it once again, as the Wildcats have upped their win total again this season. UK’s 2008 squad has the seventh most victories in school history this season. It’s the most wins since attaining 26 in 1988, the last time the Blue and White took home the SEC title.
Auburn has been impressive as of late, and their record does not indicate the improvement they’ve shown. In recent weeks they’ve taken perennial SEC powers Florida and LSU to four and five sets, respectively.
Sophomore Lauren Rapp’s stellar individual performance propelled Kentucky to a 3-0, victory over a pesky Auburn squad on Oct. 5. UK claimed their 12th straight victory by the scores of 26-24, 25-18, 28-26. Rapp accounted for 15 total points behind a team-high 11 kills and a team-best six blocks to guide Kentucky to their sixth win in conference play. Pavan was another major factor in UK’s victory accounting for eight kills and six more blocks. Senior Queen Nzenwa chipped in with eight kills and four blocks. Rumely dished out 32 assists, while four players tallied four or more digs in the defensive effort.
A recap of the UK volleyball team’s match with Auburn will be available at UKathletics.com. Stay tuned to UK’s official website for complete coverage of the Kentucky Wildcats.
