No. 3 Kentucky Sweeps Houston to Cap Perfect Lexington Weekend

by: Penelope Steffek-Lynch6 hours agopenelopesl3

Kentucky volleyball's Kassie O'Brien (left) and Brooke Bultema | Kateri Sherman, UK Athletics

No. 3 Kentucky volleyball flexed its dominance in a clean 3-0 sweep over Houston on Sunday, winning 25-16, 25-23, 25-13 in Memorial Coliseum. This win capped off a perfect 2-0 weekend in Lexington for the Cats, following their top-10 victory of No. 10 SMU on Saturday.

Freshman setter Kassie O’Brien had an outstanding all-around performance against the Cougars, putting up 32 assists, seven blocks, and six digs, a difference maker on both ends of the floor. A solid playmaker, Kentucky’s offense rallied behind her, suffocating Houston’s attack.

Sophomore outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye once again set the tone on the offensive end, tallying a match-high 15 kills on 28 swings, a hitting .500 percentage, and only one error. Eva Hudson was another key addition, putting up nine kills in crucial moments.

On the defensive side, libero Molly Tuozzo anchored the back row with double-digit digs, while middle blocker Brooke Bultema came up with four monster blocks when Kentucky needed it the most.

The Wildcats held Houston to a season-low .083 hitting percentage while forcing 20 errors. Showcasing their balanced lineup, Kentucky ended the match at .257 offensively.

“It’s been pleasing the last 10 days to see everyone with a chip on their shoulder to prove themselves,” Head Coach Skinner said. “When you see that type of mentality, you know they’re going to be ready when they get put in the moment.”

Houston took the lead early in set 1, but Kentucky quickly responded with an 8-1 run to swing the momentum. With help from O’Brien at the net, the Cats maintained control, taking the first set 25-16.

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Set 2 was a battle, featuring several lead changes. Houston fought hard late, but Tuozzo’s defense, coupled with DeLeye’s deadly swing, helped lead Kentucky to a 25-23 victory.

Momentum swung in Kentucky’s favor during set 3. Skinner and his squad rallied behind their team and never looked back, dominating their way to a convincing 25-13 win.

With the sweep, Kentucky kept the fire alive heading into not only a pivotal stretch of the schedule but also as they look ahead to No. 4 Louisville on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. ET (ESPNU).

“I’m looking for some revenge,” Hudson said, referring not only to facing yet another top-10 but also an in-state rival.

Now 5-2 on the season, Kentucky hopes to maintain its credibility, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown against the Cardinals, with bragging rights on the line.