Kentucky Volleyball defeats scrappy LSU team 3-1
No. 5 Kentucky Volleyball (12-3) did not have an easy time with the 7-9 LSU Tigers, who played much, much better than a team of that record. Fresh off a massive win over Florida, the Tigers (now 7-10) gave Kentucky all they could handle for three sets before the ‘Cats dominated the fourth.
Here’s how it all went down:
First Set
The Tigers got off to a quick start in the first as Missouri transfer Kylie Deberg gave Kentucky all sorts of problems on the attack. She helped make the Tigers a nationally-ranked team throughout last season and returns as one of the best hitters in the SEC in 2021.
However, as Craig Skinner teams typically do, the ‘Cats settled down and used a 5-1 run with a pair of kills by sophomore blocker Bella Bell to regain a two-point lead, 9-7. LSU never led in the opening set after that but did tie the game a few times before eventually falling.
Kentucky’s other blocker, Azhani Tealer put together back-to-back kills a few minutes later that sparked a 5-0 run to give UK a five-point cushion down the stretch. Kentucky would hold onto that lead until the end when a Deberg hitting error gave the ‘Cats a 25-20 first-set victory.
Second Set
Kentucky again got off to a groggy start in the third set. A 4-0 run punctuated by a Deberg kill gave the Tigers a quick 6-3 lead. The ‘Cats fought back to tie it up at nine before another LSU run put them back in front 12-9.
From there, Kentucky battled back to a series of ties but just couldn’t break away from the Tigers. UK earned the lead back at 19-18 but allowed another 3-0 run in a crucial spot to relinquish the lead for good. LSU went on to win the second set 25-23.
A bad omen for the ‘Cats, as they were 0-3 entering tonight when having lost the second set, and 11-0 when they win. Notable stat, but likely more fluky than meaningful.
Third Set
This one looked much closer to the first and ended with an identical score. The two teams played to another 9-9 tie but this time it was Kentucky who used a 3-0 run to gain control. Lauren Tharp’s third ace and an Alli Stumler kill boosted Kentucky’s lead to four a few plays later.
Back-to-back blocks from Emma Grome and Bella Bell put Kentucky back up by five as Riah Walker entered the game to serve, marking her first appearance in a few games after dealing with a minor injury.
Kentucky maintained the five-point lead the rest of the way and closed out the third 25-20 to take a 2-1 lead.
Fourth Set
Well, this was a statement. LSU smacked the ‘Cats out of the gate once again and won the first three points of the set. Then, the Kentucky of old returned as they rolled off eight straight points in a commanding run with Lauren Tharp at the service stripe. She was excellent all night with her serves.
Kentucky never looked back after that and proceeded to crush the Tigers for the rest of the set. LSU had played a little ahead of themselves for most of the night but UK just buried them to end the match, winning three sets to one.
Stats & Recap
Kentucky leaned heavily on its two seniors and Madi Skinner. Skinner led the way with 16 kills and Alli Stumler was right behind with 15. When things were looking worrisome for the Wildcats they went to their two star hitters. And in the middle of the third set, Kentucky used a trio of back-row attacks from these two to take control of the set.
Defensively, Azhani Tealer was elite at the net, racking up eight blocks while adding 13 kills as well. She’s developed nicely as Kentucky’s third reliable attacker while providing elite-level defense as a blocker. Eleanor Beavin led in digs with 14 and Lauren Tharp added six in addition to four service aces.
Kentucky advances to 12-3 and 5-0 in the SEC with the win. The ‘Cats will face this fesity Tigers team again Friday night at 8 p.m. and you can catch that one on the SECNetwork.
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