Kentucky VB moves back into top 5, Eva Hudson named SEC Offensive POTW

Kentucky's Eva Hudson - Ethan Rand, UK Athletics

Thanks to a 2-0 record last week, Kentucky volleyball is back to being considered a top five team in the country.

In the latest ACVA Top 25 rankings released Monday, the Wildcats jumped three spots to No. 3 behind a five-set win over then-No. 3 Louisville and a sweeping of Washington. Kentucky, which will take a 7-2 overall record into SEC play beginning later this week, was the biggest riser of the update. The ‘Cats finished non-conference play with a 3-2 mark against opponents ranked among the top 10 at the time of the matchup.

Additionally, senior outside hitter Eva Hudson was named the Southeastern Conference’s Co-Offensive Player of the Week for her performances against the Cardinals and Huskies. The Purdue transfer averaged 5.63 kills per set in two matches last week, headlined by a three-set program record 28 kills against Washington. The last NCAA player with 28 kills in a three-set match was Cincinnati’s Jordan Thompson in 2019. Hudson added 17 kills and a career-high 21 digs in the win over Louisville, as well.

Week 4 @AVCAVolleyball / Taraflex Dl Women’s Volleyball Top 25 🏐#NCAAWVB pic.twitter.com/drjGP67Obx
— NCAA Women's Volleyball (@NCAAVolleyball) September 22, 2025

Ahead of SEC play, Kentucky managed to survive and thrive with one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the entire country. The ‘Cats picked up ranked wins against Penn State, SMU, and Louisville — teams all still ranked among the top 15 — with loses to Nebraska and Pitt, which are both ranked top five in this week’s update. UK did not drop a single set (12-0) against four unranked foes

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Craig Skinner’s team will begin their hunt for a ninth straight SEC championship on Wednesday when South Carolina (6-4) comes to town. UK will host the Gamecocks inside Memorial Coliseum at 7:00 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. It’ll be a test of what’s to come down the road for the ‘Cats. Kentucky still has to take on No. 2 Texas, No. 13 Texas A&M, No. 19 Florida, No. 21 Missouri, and No. 22 Tennessee in conference action.

After being swept by Pitt a couple of weeks ago, Kentucky has since won four straight — let’s see if they can keep the good vibes rolling on Wednesday.