Eva Hudson celebrated when UK beat Louisville and then led UK's win over Washington Saturday. (UK Athletics Photo)
It was no surprise that No. 6 Kentucky might have been a little flat against visiting Washington Saturday afternoon considering that 36 hours earlier the Cats had stunned host No. 3 Louisville in a five-set thriller.
Kentucky has wins over three top 10 teams this season and even though it swept unranked Washington it wasn’t easy as UK won 25-23, 27-25, 25-21 and trailed in all three sets.
All-American Brooklyn Deleye had only nine kills — her second lowest total of the season — but Purdue transfer Eva Hudson more than compensated with a UK three-set record 28 kills to break the record of former UK All-American Leah Edmond, who had 22 against Missouri on Nov. 18, 2018.
Senior outside hitter Eva Hudson hammered a Kentucky school three-set record 28 kills Saturday afternoon as No. 6 Kentucky swept Washington 3-0 (25-23, 27-25, 25-21).
Hudson’s 28 kills marked the first time a player had 28 kills or more in a three-set match since Cincinnati’s Jordan Thompson had 28 against SMU on Oct. 27, 2019 according to ESPN’s Stats & Research department.
“I know it is hard to come off an emotional win,” Hudson said. “I am just glad our team kept it together and pulled it out.”
Hudson had trouble in the early sets against Louisville when DeLeye carried the load before the roles switched Saturday.
“Against Louisville she was on when I was not on. Tonight she was a little off and I had to pick her up,” Hudson said.
Hudson’s 28 kills came with just three errors on 52 swings as she hit .481, the highest hitting percentage for a UK attacker in a single match with 10 plus kills all season.
If that wasn’t enough, Hudson also continued her improved defensive play with eight digs and did not have a reception error in 14 chances.
“If you have seen my career I would not say I am the most defensive person in the world,” Hudson said. “With Brooklyn and all the players we have, I really have to take pride in my defense now.”
Kentucky had 60 digs in the three sets led by 16 from libero Molly Tuozzo but Deleye had nine, Molly Berezowitz eight, Ava Sarafa five and Kassie O’Brien four.
“We are a really gritty team. We will grind it out being down two sets, one set,” Hudson said.
The Wildcats hit .271 for the match and limited the Huskies to just .198 with 16 attack errors and eight blocks from the UK defense.
Kentucky will take a 7-2 mark into the start of Southeastern Conference play where it will be trying to earn at least a share of a ninth straight conference championship.
The Cats host South Carolina Wednesday to start SEC play and then will host Georgia Friday.
“I am so excited. BBN, I can’t wait to play for them,” Hudson said.
