Kentucky's Comeback Sparks 3-0 Sweep over Gamecocks

by: Penelope Steffek-Lynch09/25/25penelopesl3

Kentucky volleyball's Eva Hudson - Ethan Rand, UK Athletics

The No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats defeated South Carolina 3-0 (25-17, 29-27, 25-18) on Wednesday night at home in thrilling fashion, moving to 1-0 in SEC play and 8-2 on the season.

It took the Cats a while to find their rhythm inside Memorial Coliseum, while Sarah Rumely Noble’s Gamecocks, a former Kentucky Volleyball Hall of Famer, came out hot and ready to fight.

“In conference play, you’re going to get everybody’s best shot,” said UK head coach Craig Skinner. “We certainly had that tonight.”

Brooke DeLeye once again dominated with a double-double, posting 14 kills and 16 digs while hitting .522%. Eva Hudson had 13 crucial kills and eight digs. Lizzie Carr also added seven kills and five blocks, greatly impacting Kentucky’s success down the stretch.

1-0 in SEC play (how we like it!)👏#WeAreUK x #BBN pic.twitter.com/BjiFmWjkfP
— Kentucky Volleyball (@KentuckyVB) September 25, 2025

Kentucky got off to a slow start in the first set before picking it up late. While South Carolina struggled with the Cats’ serves, UK was efficient in targeting the line. Bultema’s crushing slide attacks, coupled with key kills from DeLeye and Hudson, helped the Cats maintain control late — closing on a 25-17 first set victory for the Wildcats.

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South Carolina came out even stronger in the second set though, taking an 8-3 lead early. Digging almost every ball, the Gamecocks appeared unstoppable. Showing resilience, the Cats went on a 4-0 run, forcing South Carolina to call a timeout. Huge kills from Hudson and DeLeye led the surge, pushing Kentucky to a 19-9 run after being down 18-10. The Wildcats fueled the comeback with blocks, pulling off a miracle, 29-27.

The third set opened with little doubt, momentum firmly in the Cats’ favor. They stormed out to an early lead behind strong attacks and incredible digs. Riding the momentum from the second set, Kentucky never looked back. With a raucous home crowd behind them, the Wildcats controlled the pace and closed the set with authority, 25-18.

Wednesday night’s SEC-opening win not only brought Kentucky another win but, most importantly, it showcased their resilience.

The Cats are back in action Friday night, where they will take on the Georgia Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. (SEC Network+) in Memorial Coliseum. After proving its grit, Kentucky now sets its sights on capitalizing on its hard-fought victory with another.