Kentucky came up just short of beating Louisville in the Battle of the Bluegrass. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Wednesday was a special night for ESPN as it was just the fourth time since 1977 that a women’s college volleyball match would air live. The match featured No. 13 Kentucky vs. No. 3 Louisville in Memorial Coliseum for the annual Battle of the Bluegrass. Kentucky came out swinging, taking the first set, but Louisville is a complete team and immediately bounced back winning both the second and third sets to put the pressure back on UK. The Wildcats responded well, answering with a win of the fourth set to send the match to the final set. Kentucky was in the match until the end, but came up just a few points short in the final set in result of a loss to the Cardinals.
Veteran Adanna Rollins had 19 kills and 10 digs for her third double-double of the year. Reagan Rutherford also had her third double-double with 13 kills and 12 digs. Emma Grome had 50 assists and 15 digs while Eleanor Beavin had 16 digs. Erin Lamb had 14 kills.
As the Wildcats move to 5-3 on the season, it’s obvious head coach Daniel Skinner isn’t one to avoid a tough regular season schedule. Kentucky’s three losses have came against the stiff competition of No. 19 Marquette, No. 4 Wisconsin and No. 3 Louisville. Two of their five wins came over No. 17 Creighton and USC.
Kentucky will return to the court on Sunday as they look to hand No. 2 Nebraska their first loss. Vicky Graff will be in attendance for that match, too.
Kentucky-Louisville Volleyball
Photos by Vicky Graff
