April 25, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky volleyball team wrapped up another impressive spring slate by capturing wins in four-of-six sets against Sweet 16 members in Purdue and Ohio State on Saturday. All three teams faced each other once and played three sets apiece. Kentucky claimed more head-to-head matchups than either opponent.

In the morning session, Kentucky took on Purdue to open the day. UK earned the opening set by a 25-18 margin. Purdue rallied and claimed the final two frames in a highly-contested battle between two top-25 ranked teams. Purdue won the final two sets by 25-22 and 25-23 scores.

Ohio State and Purdue competed next with the Buckeyes capturing all three sets from the Boilermakers.

UK then faced the Buckeyes for the final match of the day and it was the Wildcats’ turn to sweep all three stanzas. The set scores stood at 25-23, 25-19 and 25-18. In total, Kentucky won four sets on the day with Ohio State claiming three and Purdue earning a pair.

Junior Whitney Billings led the way for the Blue and White with 23 total kills. Junior Alexandra Morgan chipped in with 15 and senior Ashley Frazier followed with 12.

“It was a productive day for us,” UK coach Craig Skinner said. “Competing against great competition really allows you to discover where you stand and the things you need to focus on in preparation for the fall. I thought we made some strides during the spring and our teams knows what it needs to improve upon prior to our season starting in August.

“I thought Zan (Morgan) and Kayla (Tronick) made tremendous progress this spring working to replace our starting middles from 2011. They are on the right track, and with a good summer, they can make another jump as they prepare for preseason workouts.”

Kentucky will return to the hardwood with preseason workouts prior to the 2012 season beginning in late August.

Follow along all year at Kentucky’s official homepage for the most up-to-date information and news regarding the UK volleyball team and all of UK’s 22 varsity sports.