By Connor Link, UK AthleticsIn Kentucky’s 10th consecutive postseason appearance (and third hosting the NCAA Tournament’s opening weekend), a pair of familiar faces forged the Wildcats’ way to a win.”As seniors, Lauren O’Conner and Jackie Napper really led us tonight in their respective responsibilities,” said head coach Craig Skinner. “(That) is what you want and need out of your senior group.”In her typical dominating fashion, O’Conner recorded a game-high 14 kills, with a .452 hitting percentage. Along with teammate Kaz Brown, O’Conner also anchored a two-player defensive wall at the net, blocking three balls on her own.”I was pleased with our effort tonight,” Skinner said. “Defensively, holding (Oakland) to .107 (hitting percentage) was a big key.”In the Kentucky backcourt, Napper was responsible for 22 digs–12 more than the Wildcats’ next closest player. With 519 total digs on the season, Napper’s relentless effort in part earned her SEC Libero of the Year accolades in 2014. However, with less than 24 hours to prepare for their next match, the Cats aren’t basking in any of 2014’s successes–including Friday’s three-set sweep.”We don’t play back-to-back matches, but when we are on the road, we play Friday, practice Saturday, and play on Sunday,” Skinner said. “When you get the adrenaline pumping, and you’re playing in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, (fatigue) becomes less of a factor as execution and the desire to compete.”No. 14 Kentucky (27-5, 15-3 SEC) will face Ohio State (21-11, 12-8 Big Ten) Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET at Memorial Coliseum. Although UK has not faced a Big Ten opponent all season, the Cats are confident that game planning will not be an issue. “I think we’ll be prepared,” Napper said. “Ohio State’s a great team, and we’ve got to come out and play the best match of the season.””Through the SEC, there are always different styles of games,” said O’Conner. “I think we do a good job of adjusting throughout the games, and doing the things that we need to do, depending on that team.”With a group led by veterans, Skinner realizes the fine balance between ample preparation and over-analysis as his team heads into the tournament’s second round.”You want to be prepared, but you don’t want to over-prepare, either,” Skinner said. “We’re going to give (the players) information that we’ve executed on certain teams in the past, and see where it falls.””We just take it one match at a time,” said O’Conner. “After (Friday’s victory), we’re going to go watch video on Ohio State. This match is past us, and it’s all Ohio State now.”