UK Volleyball Depth on Display Again Saturday
All season long, Kentucky volleyball coach Craig Skinner has been able to take advantage of the incredible depth on his squad. Whether Skinner needs a blocker, a passer or a server, he has been able to find a player to fill a particular role in nearly every match.
In Saturday night’s second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament, Skinner did it again. He called on Merideth Jewell and Brooke Morgan, who both came into the match and provided a boost that the Wildcats would need in a tough, five-set win over Western Kentucky.
Morgan, who did not play in the first set, was able to provide a spark on both sides of the net. The 6-5 junior from Dike, Iowa had five kills and two errors on 11 swings (.273 hitting percentage) while also recording a pair of block assists.
Skinner knows the depth he has on this team, and he’s not afraid to use it.
“Every one of those players in that locker room can play in this match at a very high level. I’m not afraid, at all, to put them in in situations. This match called for Merideth and Brooke. We get to see it every day in practice, so when you make the sub, you have no doubts that they can make an impact, and they did.”
Skinner did not hesitate when inserting Morgan into the match.
“Brooke is one of the most dynamic right-side blockers in the country,” Skinner said. “Whether she blocks the ball or not, someone who is hitting against her thinks about her. She can change how a hitter thinks when they attack the ball.”
Jewell came into the match for defensive purposes, and she answered the call. Playing in sets three, four and five, the junior from Louisville came up with three crucial digs.
Kentucky’s stars were in the mix on Saturday, as Leah Edmond had 22 kills, while Kaz Brown and Avery Skinner each had 14. Brown also had nine total blocks. Setter Madison Lilley had a double-double with 55 assists and 12 digs, while senior libero Ashley Dusek had 16 digs.
But it was those that are not always in the spotlight who made such a huge difference in this match. In addition to the contributions from Jewell and Morgan, defensive specialist Gabby Curry made a couple of huge plays, including one on a play where she turned her ankle, yet was able to limp to the ball and keep it in play. And fellow defensive specialist McKenzie Watson had a sparking, one-handed dig to keep a point alive, one of her seven digs in the match.
The depth that’s been on display all season has now carried Kentucky to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012. The Wildcats will host next week’s regional in Memorial Coliseum. And if depth is what’s needed to advance to the Elite Eight and perhaps the Final Four, this team will be in great shape.
