Volleyball Cats Get Multiple Contributions in Wednesday Win
The Kentucky volleyball team has run its offense through sophomore Brooklyn DeLeye and freshman Asia Thigpen, a formula that has lifted the Cats to the top of the Southeastern Conference standings.
However, on Wednesday night, Kentucky got a number of other players involved as the Cats swept Mississippi State 25-17, 25-20, 25-11 inside Historic Memorial Coliseum.
Yes, DeLeye and Thigpen were involved in the victory. DeLeye had nine kills, while Thigpen added seven.
However, UK had four other players with at least six kills. Megan Wilson tied DeLeye for team-high honors with nine kills. Wilson had no errors on 17 swings and hit .529. Wilson felt that she and setter Emma Grome had a solid connection on Wednesday.
“I think me and Emma’s connection has been growing a lot recently,” Wilson said. “We’re trying out some new stuff. I felt very in rhythm and (Grome) was throwing up dimes. It was great.”
Jordyn Dailey had seven kills, while Brooke Bultema and Erin Lamb each added six.
Wednesday’s match saw the return of Lamb, who had not played since September due to an undisclosed injury. The Stewartville, Minnesota, native played well in the match and said she was happy to be back on the court.
“So good. Definitely been waiting for this for a long time,” Lamb said. “Feeling better.”
Lamb has worked hard to get herself back into playing shape, something she takes great pride in.
“I have put a lot of work in to get where I am right now,” Lamb said. “It wasn’t easy but I’ve put the work in to be in the position that I am, so I’m definitely proud of that.”
UK head coach Craig Skinner likes how his team is playing as the regular season winds down and the postseason approaches.
“Good focus for a lot of people with several kills,” Skinner said. “Great balance. Definitely needed down the stretch for the league and then going into the NCAA Tournament.”
Skinner knows that having multiple players who can score will be beneficial with the postseason around the corner.
“You want as many arrows in your quiver as possible,” Skinner said. “Especially to have the balance like you had tonight. Against really good teams, you need that. The more options you have, the tougher it is to stop. These guys offensively tonight provided great balance across the whole net. It makes it easy for setters when you have a lot of options.”
With two matches left in the regular season, the Cats find themselves with a one-game lead in the SEC standings. The balance that Kentucky showed on Wednesday night gives the Cats that an eighth consecutive SEC title could be clinched next week.
