Craig Skinner does not have enough adjectives to describe all Erin Lamb has overcome during her four-year UK career. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky volleyball coach Craig Skinner had a terrific problem as his team was preparing to start postseason play.
For the first time since mid-September, he had both senior Erin Lamb and freshman Asia Thigpen healthy and able to play late in the season.
“It’s a beautiful thing to have two talented players playing the same position that you can use,” Skinner said.
However, Thigpen re-injured her knee in UK’s Senior Day win over Arkansas and is not expected to play in this weekend’s NCAA Tournament.
Lamb had not played in a SEC match until two weeks ago after having a non-volleyball medical issue sideline her two days before conference play started. She missed 13 matches.
“We are scrambling about what to do, lost a match and have had to work our tails off to get back,” Skinner said.
Kentucky was coming off an upset win at SMU and preparing to play at Purdue when Skinner learned Thigpen would be out with a knee injury. She eventually missed six matches, including the SEC opener at Auburn and two more conference matches, before returning.
“Asia is young but is so talented. Both of them play the same spot and both can light it up,” Skinner said. “It’s a beautiful thing to have two talented players doing all they can for us.
“I get emotional thinking about these kids being so selfless and focused on the team. Erin has been through so much in her four years here it is incredible. I do not have enough adjectives to describe how she has been as a teammate. I have seen her become a completely different player and person.”
Thigpen is a dynamic rising star for Kentucky who hopefully would be back if UK advances to the Sweet 16.
“When the ball gets set to her, people rise out of their seats. She detonates the ball. She is a dynamic competitor,” Skinner said. “The way she plays is contagious. Alpha competitors are extremely important on championship teams because they compete no matter whether it is their best or worst match. They have no memories. The best competitors are ready every time the whistle blows and she is one of those people.”
Kentucky clinched an eighth straight SEC championship with its win over Missouri last week.
