Here comes the storm: All you need to know ahead of Kentucky VB's Sweet 16 matchup
As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, the volleyball gets better. It’s Sweet 16 time for the No. 12 ranked Kentucky Wildcats after five consecutive sweeps, including two in the NCAA Tournament. Western Kentucky and Loyola Chicago were no match for the ‘Cats in the opening rounds, however, the task just got taller.
Next up is a date with the University of San Diego Toreros for head coach Craig Skinner’s squad on Thursday night. USD is the No. 2 seed in the Palo Alto regional with Kentucky coming in as the No. 3 seed. The Toreros boast a 29-1 record on the season, including a perfect 18-0 record in the West Coast Conference. While the parks in California are nice this time of year, it’s safe to say this matchup is no walk in the park for the Wildcats.
Coach Skinner is well aware of the challenge that USD poses on Thursday night.
“They (San Diego) play the game at an elite level. They don’t make errors, they have a really good setter,” Skinner said. “Everyone is good, they all play the game well, they have great IQ of the game. So, it’s a tough match. A very similar style in a way. We have good setting, good ball control, we don’t make a whole lot of mistakes. So, I think it’s a good matchup.”
Let’s dive in
While there could be many question marks with Kentucky’s West Coast opponent, I think we must start with the first concern. What is a torero? Google says it’s a bullfighter, so that’s a first for me. To more pressing matters, what are the Wildcats getting into when they face off with San Diego on Thursday night?
The WCC may not have the most teams in the big dance, but that doesn’t stray away from the fact that USD has had a plethora of challenging opponents. The Toreros have taken down Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Pepperdine, BYU, and Washington State, which were all ranked when USD beat them. The Ohio State and Pitt wins are most impressive considering both squads have been in and out of the top 10 practically all year. The victory over Washington State came in the previous round of the tournament.
San Diego rides into its Sweet 16 battle on a 26-match win streak. Yes, you read that correctly. The Toreros have lost two sets in the NCAA Tournament, as opposed to Kentucky’s zero dropped sets. USD beat both its first and second-round opponents 3-1.
But maybe there’s something about The Bluegrass State. San Diego’s only loss this season comes against Louisville. The Toreros were bested 3-1 by the Cardinals, a foe that Kentucky knows too well. The Wildcats lost a heartbreaking five-setter against Louisville earlier in the year. What a story that would be if San Diego’s two losses of the year came against Kentucky and Louisville.
A win before the match
To nobody’s surprise, there were some Wildcats that walked away with awards after the first weekend of postseason play. The same foursome that was named to the All-SEC team was also named AVCA All-Region. Reagan Rutherford, Azhani Tealer, Adanna Rollins, and Emma Grome keep on adding to their respective campaigns that have included so many honors.
For Grome, the SEC Player of the Year, her award list only got longer while her contribution to the squad has only gotten more important. Coach Skinner has seen the progression from the sophomore sensation.
“Emma (Grome), I think has grown a lot as a setter and understanding when and why to get the right person the ball at the right time,” said Skinner.
Win or go home
Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. EST sets the stage for San Diego and Kentucky to face off with a spot for the Elite Eight on the line. The winner will face the winner of the Stanford and Houston match on Saturday night at 10 p.m. Stanford could have a big home-court advantage throughout the weekend.
The matches are winding down, but they’ve never been more important. If Kentucky were to beat San Diego, a late-night would await the BBN on Saturday. Not that it ever stopped anyone.
But hey, the ‘Cats have touched down in Palo Alto. It’s nearly go time.
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