Coach Craig Skinner and his players celebrate after beating Louisville. (UK Athletics Photo)
Kentucky volleyball coach Craig Skinner knew what his team’s win at No. 3 Louisville meant to Big Blue fans, especially since the Cards had won the last four rivalry matchups.
“Our fans love this rivalry, and Big Blue Nation, I’m sure, was jumping up and down in front of their TVs if they weren’t here,” Skinner said after the five-set win.“We always say in our program, ‘We play for something way bigger than ourselves.’
“A rivalry match is more about our people that follow us all year long. And the fans across the country that may not know volleyball as well, I’m sure they’re happy today, too.”
It was also a good way for Skinner to start against new Louisville coach Dan Meske, who took over after Dani Busboom Kelly left for Nebraska after Louisville reached the 2024 national title game. It was also pleasing because Skinner got key contributions from reserves Ava Sarafa, Jordyn Dailey and Molly Berezowitz.
“I learned a lot about the people that weren’t starters tonight,” Skinner said after the Louisville match. “I learned that they were going to make a difference when they came in the match. When you’re called upon, you’re ready. We’re going to have way more opportunities going forward in these situations.”
Kentucky had lost 14 straight matchups against non conference teams ranked in the top 10 but now has wins over Penn State, SMU and Louisville, all top 10 teams, this season even though it has only one senior — Eva Hudson — on the roster.
Kentucky took a 7-2 record — the Cats lost to No. 1 Nebraska in five sets and No. 5 Pittsburgh — into Southeastern Conference play and will also eventually face No. 2 Texas, No. 14 Texas A&M, No. 15 Florida, No. 22 Missouri and No. 24 Tennessee.
“To have that much depth going into SEC play and so many people who can help is really beneficial and makes this Kentucky team very special,” former UK All-American Leah Edmond said.
Kentucky swept South Carolina and Georgia at home to open SEC play and will next play at Ole Miss on Friday.
