Molly Tuozzo, right, had a lot to be applauding in her first start at libero Saturday night. (Larry Vaught Photo)
Senior Eleanor Beavin is considered one of the best liberos in the Southeastern Conference and has been for three years.
However, it was sophomore Molly Tuozzo, normally a defensive specialist, who wore the blue libero jersey for Saturday night’s match against Western Kentucky in Memorial Coliseum with Beavin becoming the defensive specialist.
Tuozzo had a team-high 15 digs in her first start at libero and helped hold the Toppers to just .178 hitting in Kentucky’s 3-1 (25-18, 19-25, 25-16, 25-16) victory.
Beavin had five digs and a pair of assists while senior setter Emma Grome had 44 assists, 12 digs and two service aces.
Coach Craig Skinner said it was “pre-planned” to have Beavin play the first two games at libero and then Tuozzo play the position for the next two games.
“They’re just both really good, so just to get an opportunity to see what goes, see what happens,” Skinner said.
The UK coach said it was no surprise both played well because that is what “they both do all the time” and are good at what they do.
“Molly’s athleticism obviously speaks for itself, and Evan’s experience speaks for itself and she’s just so smooth and consistent all the time,” Skinner said. “They’re both just elite at what they do, so it’s cool to have two of them.”
Skinner said either one could start for 99 percent of the teams in the country and considers himself “lucky” to have both of them.
“They both have really good serves. They both serve receive really well. They both play great defense, so you want to take advantage of them being in the match together when you can,” Skinner said.
Kentucky also has to take advantage of sophomore Brooklyn DeLete. She had a career-high 26 kills and nine digs. Redshirt freshman Brooke Bultema and senior outside hitter Erin Lamb both had 11 kills in the match.
The 2024 Bluegrass Battle will close Sunday at 1 p.m. when No. 9 Kentucky(2-1) plays Morehead State The match will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.
