UK Volleyball Hopes to Continue Defensive Surge Against Auburn

Kentucky's backcourt play is one major reason coach Craig Skinner says UK's defense has improved. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Kentucky volleyball is on a roll that it hopes will continue tonight when it hosts Auburns at 7 p.m. on SEC Network+.

The Cats have climbed to No. 3 in the national rankings thanks to a nine-match winning streak that includes a 5-0 start in Southeastern Conference play. Coach Craig Skinner’s team got its fourth top 10 win of the season last week when it won 3-1 at No. 9 Texas A&M.

The Cats have not played at home since Sept. 26 but now will host Auburn and Florida (on Sunday) in consecutive matches. Auburn is 13-4 overall and 4-2 in SEC play but is coming off a home loss to Missouri.

“You know one thing that kind of doesn’t get noticed as much is our defense has gotten a lot better the last several matches,” Skinner said Tuesday. “I think since the Louisville match, and to this point, only three outside hitters have hit over .200 against us. That’s a significant number against good teams that we need to continue doing a good job.”

Skinner says UK’s blocking has made a huge difference in the improved defense and that redshirt sophomore Jordyn Dailey’s play on the right block has been a “big factor” in the improvement.

“Her blocking on the right is a big factor in what other (opposing) outside hitters see,” the Kentucky coach said. “If you limit what outside hitters can do offensively, it really puts a hindrance on offenses and what they can do.”

He also again cited how U K’s backcourt defense has continued to improve making digs and plays. He praised Eva Hudson, Brooklyn DeLeye and Kassie O’Brien for their work against Texas A&M supporting libero Molly Tuozzo but also noted how important Marquette transfer Molly Berezowitz has been.

“The number of digs per set that she (Berezowitz) averages for a DS (defensive specialist) that only plays three rotations is impressive,” Skinner said. “So, it’s a combination of block and defense. I think our serving is getting better, but we still have a little bit to go with that.”

Kentucky will face one of the country’s best blocking teams tonight against Auburn.

“With good blocking teams, you can’t just rely on one or two players. You have to get some balance across the net,” Skinner said. “They run a six-two offense, which means they’re always going to have bigger blockers at the net. They’re not going to have a small setter  trying to block Eva Hudson and Brooklyn DeLeye. “We have to be creative and not just hitting brainlessly into their block.”