This is unusual: Kentucky VB ties its third match of the offseason
The offseason is a chance for new beginnings, to look at your squad for the first time, and apparently to tie as well.
Yes, Kentucky volleyball tied Purdue 2-2 on Thursday night. The Wildcats had its third matchup of the offseason with the Boilermakers and it ended in a split decision. I suppose that moves Kentucky’s record to 0-2-1 this offseason. Ah, the offseason, time to try new things.
While the match was called in the fourth set with both squads, there were still some notable takeaways from Kentucky’s performance. A game of many scoring runs was on the menu for Thursday night. Eleanor Beavin and Erin Lamb both had productive offensive nights as well.
The Wildcats were away from home, with the match taking place at Columbus East (IN) High School. Kentucky will finish off its offseason schedule on the road vs. Pittsburgh, considering the Memorial Coliseum days are postponed for now.
The whole starting lineup consisted of returning players except for Oklahoma transfer, Megan Wilson. Joining Wilson were Lamb, Azhani Tealer, Jordyn Williams, Emma Grome, Reagan Rutherford, and Beavin.
Back and forth
There was little separating both squads in the opening sequences of the match. The ‘Cats and Boilermakers found themselves tied at 11 apiece before Kentucky slightly pulled away. Lamb was impressive offensively, much like she was against Athletes Unlimited a week ago. However, the Boilermakers turned it around late in the first, taking the first set 25-21.
Purdue kept its momentum going early on in the second set, leading 8-4 before head coach Craig Skinner called a timeout. Purdue extended the lead to 11-6, but the ‘Cats finally locked in. Credit to Kentucky for responding well late in the set and knotting the score up at 22 apiece. Beavin then came to the service line, where she shined. She put the squad on her back late in the second, as her serves got Kentucky over the line. The ‘Cats got a set back to tie the match 1-1. Seesaw match.
The third and fourth sets were more lop-sided than the ones prior. In the third, Purdue pulled away early forcing the ‘Cats into a timeout. An 18-10 Boilermaker lead wasn’t to be erased by Kentucky. Purdue cruised to a third-set victory. Yet again, UK had a response in the fourth. An early 12-8 lead by the visitors wasn’t tampered with. Kentucky kept its foot on the gas for the remainder of the fourth, ultimately winning 25-13.
The match was then called with a 2-2 score. A stalemate was the result for the traveling Wildcats.
Last dance
Kentucky finishes off its offseason at Olentangy Berlin (OH) High School against Pitt on Sunday, April 16. The Wildcats will be searching for its first win of the offseason vs. the Panthers. It’s been high competition for UK during its three offseason contests. Expect more of the same against a Pitt team that is fresh off a Final Four appearance.
Yes, a last “offseason” dance. Sit back and enjoy because after Pitt, it’s a drought of volleyball-less action until the regular season resumes in the fall.
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