Sycamores stumped in Lexington; Kentucky VB bounces back with sweep

On3 imageby:Ian Alvano•09/11/22

From getting swept on Friday to doing the sweeping on Saturday, No. 14 Kentucky volleyball got back to winning ways in a much-needed performance against Indiana State. It was a quick match, one that didn’t even last two hours with the Wildcats handling business as they know so well.

Indiana State didn’t get past 16 points in any set. Reagan Rutherford led all players with 12 kills and four blocks. The SEC player of the week continued her impressive form as of late, she proves to be a pivotal key for Kentucky as the season progresses.

A Sweet Start

Kentucky wasted no time early getting off to a hot start. After an impressive beginning to the match against Wisconsin on Friday night, they kept the momentum going throughout the first set versus Indiana State.

Rutherford had two aces early and Elise Goetzinger added a block to help the Wildcats early. Kentucky went on to win the first set 25-16 with no problems.

The second set saw the Wildcats cruise to the same score after they won the first set. Another 25-16 set victory would see Kentucky going for the sweep on Saturday afternoon.

The Wildcats displayed superior effort in the second set. They were all over the floor and the Sycamores had no response for Kentucky’s superb set.

It won’t get any easier

The third set saw some action from the Kentucky bench. Jordyn Williams saw the floor as the squad rallied around her when they went on a small run with her serving.

Williams was solid on defense in the third set, snagging a crucial block with Kentucky up 18-9 in what was the final set. The final set was won 25-15 by the Wildcats, stamping their Saturday sweep.

The win sees Kentucky move to 5-2 on the season before its massive week gets underway.

No. 6 Wisconsin’s win on Friday night against the ‘Cats wasn’t the last of the ranked teams to come to Lexington. Next for Kentucky is No. 4 Louisville on Wednesday, Sep. 14, which will be on either ESPN or ESPN2. The Cards will be the fourth-ranked matchup for the Wildcats this year.

If that wasn’t enough, last year’s NCAA tournament runner-ups will be in the Bluegrass on Sunday, Sep. 18. The No. 2 Nebraska Cornhuskers will be the last matchup Kentucky plays before conference play begins. The sweep of Indiana State surely helped, but next week will prove to be vital for the ‘Cats.

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2024-04-26