UK Volleyball's Dusek Playing "Off the Charts"
Ashley Dusek has had a stellar career at Kentucky. The senior from East Bernard, Texas, is the two-time defending SEC Libero of the Year and has led the Wildcats to three (about to be four) straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
Despite all of these accomplishments, Dusek may be in the midst of one of the most amazing stretches of play in her entire career. That impressive streak continued on Sunday as the sixth-ranked Wildcats dominated Ole Miss 25-16, 25-10, 26-24 on Senior Day at Memorial Coliseum.
Playing in her final regular season home match, Dusek registered 15 digs in just three sets, giving her 85 digs in 13 sets in UK’s last four matches. That’s an average of 6.54 digs per set. For perspective, Dusek’s career best average was during her sophomore season, when she posted 5.05 digs per set while having one of the best defensive seasons in school history.
Dusek, the defending SEC Player of the Week, is third in UK history in digs in the 25-point rally scoring era, with 1,451 scoops after Sunday’s match. With two regular season matches, and the postseason, Dusek will have a chance to pass Jackie Napper’s 1,516 digs, which are second-most in UK history during the rally scoring era (Stephanie Klefot leads the category with 1,924).
Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner recognizes how valuable Dusek has been, especially lately.
“She’s been a little frustrated with her dig numbers prior to the last couple of weeks,” Skinner said. “The problem is, we kill the ball so much, she doesn’t get as many opportunities to dig. The last couple of weeks, she’s been off the charts. Her serve receive is big-time and defensively, we’re starting to see some great plays that we’re going to need heading into the tournament.”
Dusek, ever the team player, is more concerned about winning than about her individual accomplishments. When asked about her recent stat-stuffing matches, she wasn’t aware.
“I didn’t even know that number,” Dusek said of her 85 digs in 13 sets. “I don’t really check dig numbers and things like that, I just go out there and play. So, it’s awesome to see that my numbers are up.”
She may not know the particular numbers, but Dusek does know that she’s playing well.
“I guess I’m in the zone,” she said after Sunday’s match. “The block is doing so well, so I’m better able to go around it. My girls help me and give me confidence. I’m just out there to have fun and play.”
Fellow senior Harper Hempel knows how special Dusek is, both as a person and as a player.
“She’s been great, ever since I met her, she’s been such an influence on me,” Hempel said. “Seeing her in the gym all the time, always getting reps. She’s probably one of the best players I’ve ever seen.”
For all of Dusek’s accomplishments at UK, she may be in the middle of her greatest stretch of play. And it couldn’t come at a better time, as the Wildcats position themselves for the postseason.
