WATCH: Craig Skinner, Kentucky players preview matchup with No. 3 Louisville

A top 10 showdown at the KFC Yum! Center awaits No. 7 Kentucky volleyball.

And to preview Thursday night’s matchup (6:00 p.m. ET | ESPNU) against No. 3 Louisville, Wildcats head coach Craig Skinner, accompanied by a pair of players in Lizzie Carr and Asia Thigpen, spoke with reporters on Wednesday to give their thoughts on yet another challenging opponent.

“We understand the history behind it,” Thigpen said of the feud with UL. “Every single sport has that Louisville and Kentucky rivalry. We’re just putting a lot of emphasis on playing for the university, playing for the fans that support us more than they do Louisville.”

The Cardinals will complete Kentucky’s run of facing the entire 2024 Final Four before even reaching the SEC portion of the schedule. UK is also searching for its first win over Louisville since 2019. The Cards will bring a 7-1 record into Thursday’s match, but with just a 1-1 mark against ranked foes. Kentucky (5-2) has taken on the tougher non-conference slate — will it pay off against the program’s top rival?

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.