Photo- Vicky Graff
The No. 8 Kentucky Volleyball team captured its fifth-straight Southeastern Conference championship Friday afternoon, sweeping No. 20 Florida 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-20) behind 18 kills from senior outside hitter Alli Stumler.
Stumler had 18 kills on the day, hitting .333 on 39 swings. Stumler, along with fellow seniors Lauren Tharp and Cameron Scheitzach, were honored pre-match during Senior Day festivities. Stumler also added in six digs for the match and a block assist, as she helped put a cap on the Kentucky win.
With Friday’s win, Kentucky clinches the SEC Championship for a fifth-straight season, and the SEC’s automatic qualifying spot for the 2021 NCAA Volleyball Championship by virtue of its head-to-head win over Mississippi State in October. With an MSU win and a UK loss this afternoon to Florida, the SEC title would be split, but UK will still be recognized as the champions due to the head-to-head tiebreaker.
The sweep of the Gators marked the 400th-career victory for Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner.
PHOTOS – Vicky Graff
One Response
Saw the match Friday, the Cats took care of business. Stumler was sensational, Emma Grome the little setter, No. 4 was so impressive. The atmosphere was awesome. Coach Skinner has done a great job with this VB program. They come to play. My little grand daughter, who plays on her 7th grade Middle School girls VB team, loved every min. of it. Go Cats!