Kentucky Volleyball All-Americans Step Up in Big Win Over Florida
Wednesday’s SEC volleyball clash between Kentucky and Florida was billed as a battle between Kentucky’s attacking game against Florida’s blocking. But in Wednesday’s match, it turned out tht Kentucky was better at both.
The 12th-ranked Wildcats hit 41-10-113 (.274) for the match, holding the 11th-ranked Gators to just 31-20-106 (.104), while outblocking Florida 6-2 on the way to a convincing 25-15, 25-18, 25-20 win at Memorial Coliseum.
For Kentucky, it was a night when the Wildcat All-Americans lived up to the hype. Junior outside hitter Leah Edmond recorded her 20th career double-double (16 kills, 10 digs), with a pair of block assists. Meanwhile, sophomore setter Madison Lilley was stellar, dishing out 33 assists and adding nine digs, two kills, a service ace and a block assist.
Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner was excited about his team’s performance.
“Our team did a really good job,” Skinner said. “I loved our composure. I loved our focus and intensity. Our team has been ready to go the last couple of days and it obviously showed tonight.”
Kentucky got off to a 6-2 start in the first set behind Kendyl Paris and Edmond. Paris had four kills in the first frame, while Edmond added three as the Cats rolled to a 25-15 win.
The Cats dominated the second set, hitting a blistering .415 with 17 kills and no errors in 41 attempts against the league’s top blocking team. In fact, if it had not been for four UK service errors in the set, it wouldn’t have been as close as the 25-18 score indicated. Led by eight kills from Edmond and four from Alli Stumler, Kentucky rolled to a 2-0 lead over the Gators.
In the third set, Kentucky jumped out to a 21-12 lead before settling for the 25-20 win.
Skinner was pleased with Lilley’s effort on Wednesday.
“Obviously, Madison was in system a lot, so she had options to set,” Skinner said. “She made some great decisions. They were scheming on some players early in the match and she recognized that. Then they schemed the other way in the second set and she recognized that. Madison did a great job making decisions on who to set and get the one-on-one blocking opportunities.”
Edmond was complimentary of her All-American setter after the match.
“Madison is a very smart setter, she’s a very good setter, so any she she gives to anybody is going to be good,” Edmond said.
Lilley gave credit to her teammates after her outstanding performance.
“Our offense was rolling tonight and our passing was really good,” Lilley said. “We found different ways to exploit their block, which was really fun. It allowed a lot of one-on-one opportunities and we can terminate really well when we’re in those situations, so it’s fun.”
Skinner also thought Edmond played like an All-American in the match.
“She had some really big swings tonight and off the top of the block,” Skinner said. “We’ll take (the few errors) if she’s doing what she’s doing.”
Edmond was excited to beat the rival Gators.
“It’s always fun to sweep Florida, especially at home,” Edmond said. “It’s just always good to beat them, especially knowing that they are our big competition in the SEC right now, it’s just really good to always beat them.”
The Cats now find themselves with a two-game lead in the SEC with just seven matches left. Skinner doesn’t think his team will let down after Wednesday’s match.
“It certainly gives you a little bit of a cushion,” Skinner said. “I would worry if our team wasn’t competitive, but they’re very driven so I know they’ll be ready in the next match. It’s great to get this win. Obviously, Florida is a great program and credit them for being the program they are.”
On Wednesday, it was the Kentucky All-Americans that got it done in perhaps the biggest match in the league this season. If Edmond and Lilley continue to play as they did on Wednesday, the Wildcats will be tough to beat the rest of the regular season.
