The UK volleyball team, which found its NCAA Tournament hopes dwindling last week, has officially landed itself back on the bubble after beating No. 15 LSU on Sunday.

Among those shinning in the five-set match were seniors Blair Hiler and Lauren Rapp. The two seniors combined for 28 kills and four blocks on Senior Day.

“It was really important (to beat LSU), especially because it was a big win for us to possibly get into the NCAA,” Hiler said. “It was not only big for us on Senior Day with the team pulling for us but we also have further goals beyond that.”

The win improved UK’s RPI standing to 49. With two matches to play, significant victories over Louisville, Ohio State and LSU, and a schedule that ranks among the toughest in the country, UK (16-12) suddenly has a chance at its fifth consecutive NCAA appearance.

“RPI is definitely a strong consideration but there are a lot of factors,” head coach Craig Skinner said. “One is strength of schedule, which we have had a very difficult schedule this year. Can you beat teams in the top 50? Can you beat teams that are going to be in the tournament? We’ve proven to be able to do that.”

Rapp and Hiler are not unfamiliar with postseason play. They have been in the NCAA Tournament every year since their arrival at UK.

“I think it is really important to keep the NCAA streak alive,” Rapp said. “It is always a goal that we have at the beginning of every season and I don’t think we want to be the senior class that breaks the streak.”

Kentucky can further enhance its tournament resume with wins against upcoming opponents Ole Miss and Tennessee. With the 2010 season coming to a close, the last two games of the season are critical to prolonging the collegiate careers of Rapp and Hiler, both of whom were vital in turning the team around from a midseason slump that included four losses in five matches.

“I think they are really embracing the last month of the season,” Skinner said. “They are realizing that their careers are coming to a close at Kentucky and I think they are giving everything they have to make sure this season lasts as long as it possibly can.”

Rapp and Hiler have made significant impacts on the Kentucky volleyball team over the last four years and together they have helped UK clinch yet another winning season.

“I think from where we were prior to 2004 to where we are now is a completely different ballpark in terms of schools across the country, and they have been a huge part of that,” Skinner said.

Individually they have placed themselves among the leaders in multiple categories and have been an integral part to UK’s success with their versatility on the court.

Rapp averages 2.64 kills per game and is currently eighth in career kills at 1,254. In addition to her 701 career digs, Rapp has 411 block assists, which ranks her second all-time behind Queen Nzenwa. Rapp was recently named American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Week for her 17-kill, 10-dig performance in the win over LSU.

“(Rapp) is as versatile a player as you’re ever going to see,” Skinner said. “She can hit quick, she can hit second-tempo plays, she can pass, she can play defense and she can serve. I would say there are very few people across the country that could do that. She has several skills and is not just limited to one or two.”

Alongside the versatile play of Rapp, Hiler adds a go-to presence in challenging situations, including in her match-point kill in the fifth set Sunday.

“She embraces pressure, she embraces challenges and I think our team has relied on her a lot when we’ve needed points and big kills,” Skinner said. “She’s come through a lot more times than not in those situations in her career. I think she expects that out of herself and our team feels very comfortable with her getting swings when we need points.

Hiler averages 2.05 kills per set, notching 722 kills to date in her career. In her 109 matches played, Hiler, has recorded 251 career digs and assisted in 143 blocks.

While their statistics of their four-year careers are impressive, the ultimate goal for both Rapp and Hiler is success in yet another NCAA tournament.

For now, Kentucky’s resume is built on solid competition and tough wins. The team will look to add to their success in its final two regular-season matches.

“I think we just have keep pushing and playing like we have been, and I think if we do, we’ll make (the tournament),” Rapp said.

The Cats round out their season at Ole Miss on Friday at 8 p.m. before returning home to host Tennessee on Nov. 24.

“Getting a road win against Ole Miss, who beat us earlier in the year, that will make a big statement for us,” Hiler said.