Kentucky VB Faces Pivotal Weekend vs. Missouri and No. 19 Tennessee

No. 2 Kentucky volleyball faces another defining weekend as the Wildcats travel to take on Missouri at 7:00 p.m. (SEC Network+) on Thursday before hosting a highly anticipated “Blue Out” matchup against No. 19 Tennessee at 5:00 p.m. (ESPN) on Sunday.

This stretch of two crucial SEC matchups could impact Kentucky’s postseason standing as the regular season nears the finish line. Entering the weekend on a 15-match win streak, the Cats will look to continue their strong play in their last matches before tournament play begins.

Senior outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye has led Kentucky’s offense all season long, averaging 4.7 kills per set and recording six double-doubles this season. Right behind her is Eva Hudson, a consistent force on the offensive end, averaging 4.5 kills per set and 8.9 digs per match. Hudson was even named the AVCA National Player of the Week on Tuesday, the first Wildcat to do so since Leah Edmond in 2019. The Purdue transfer hit .478 in two matches last week, registering 14 kills against Vanderbilt and 20 kills against then-No. 2 Texas.

Star freshman setter Kassie O’Brien continues to embrace her role as a young leader, averaging 10.4 assists per set, defining herself as a steady playmaker. Defensively, junior libero Molly Tuozzo anchors the back row, averaging 13.7 digs per match while providing stability and veteran leadership. There is high-end talent up and down the roster playing incredibly well right now.

Ahead of this week’s matches, head coach Craig Skinner did as much as standing on top of the press conference table to stress the importance of fan support as the Cats prepare for their upcoming contests.

“We need everybody in the Big Blue Nation to get behind this team,” said Skinner. “This team is everything that Kentuckians are all about.”

Missouri, just outside of the top 25 rankings, starts off the weekend for Kentucky. The Tigers boast an efficient offense led by senior outside hitter Caylen Alexander, who averages 4.1 kills per set. Directing the offense is junior setter Marina Crownover, who averages 9.2 assists per set and sets up her team with precision and poise.

Just three days later, Kentucky will match up with No. 19 Tennessee (16-5) in a huge showdown on ESPN. UT currently sits fifth in the SEC standings at 7-4.

The talented Volunteers possess talented weapons in the Nebraska transfer Hayden Kubik, who averages 14.2 kills and 8 digs per match, and setter Caroline Kerr, who averages 9.3 assists per set. Defending the back row is senior libero Gülce Güçtekin, who leads the defense with quick court coverage and consistent stability, averaging 13.9 digs per match to keep the Lady Vols’ offense running smoothly.

With two anticipated SEC matchups on deck, the Wildcats will look to use their experience, depth, and home-court energy to keep their winning streak alive ahead of the SEC tournament.

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