UK had no trouble beating Alabama Wednesday night. (Larry Vaught Photo)
Kentucky’s offense just continues to overpower Southeastern Conference opponents. The Wildcats hit .419 in Wednesday’s 25-18, 25-15, 25-17 sweep over Alabama to improve its SEC record to 18-1 going into tonight’s second match against Alabama at Memorial Coliseum.
“I think Madison (Lilley) really distributed the ball well,” said Alli Stumler, who had 13 kills, two aces, and two blocks. “That is what makes this team special. Any position, front row or back, we are hard to block offensively.”
Lilley, the best player in the SEC, had 35 assists on just another average night for her setting up teammates. She also had three blocks, three service aces, and eight digs.
“She’s playing with a lot of confidence and she should,” coach Craig Skinner said. “She does a great job of feeling who and when to set. We have a game plan, we have a scouting report of what we want to do offensively and she did a really good job of that tonight.”
Of course, it seems like everyone on the team does a “really good job” of playing every match. Libero Gabby Curry had 15 digs. Sophomore Azhani Tealer had four blocks, five kills and two aces. Avery Skinner had 11 kills and one block. Madi Skinner added five more kills.
Kentucky held Alabama to just .144 offensively as the UK defense continued its dominating play that has it ranked in the top 30 nationally.
“We are good blocking at each position,” Skinner said. “We do not have a weakness in the back row. Sometimes you will have a couple of players who are not great back there. But it also starts with the serve. The more we can limit their offense the better chance we have to score.”
