In a thrilling match-up at Rupp Arena, No. 12 Kentucky volleyball team emerged victorious over Texas A&M with a 3-1 win. The Wildcats showcased their offensive firepower with four players recording double-digit kills. This win marked their 13th consecutive victory, solidifying their place as one of the top teams in the country.
Led by Emma Grome, who tallied 55 assists, Kentucky’s balanced attack proved too much for Texas A&M. Freshman Brooklyn DeLeye led the way with 18 kills, followed by Elise Goetzinger with 13, Erin Lamb with 12, and Azhani Tealer with 12. The Wildcats attacked at an impressive .360 clip, while holding Texas A&M to just .211.
Defensively, Eleanor Beavin, the 2021 SEC Libero of the Year, led the team with 20 digs. Kentucky’s strong defensive efforts limited Texas A&M’s scoring opportunities and contributed to their victory.
With this win, Kentucky improves to 16-7 on the season, with a dominant 14-1 record in the SEC. They now hold a one-match lead over Arkansas in the conference standings. Texas A&M falls to 15-10 overall and 7-8 in the SEC.
Next, Kentucky will face Missouri on November 19th to wrap up their three-match homestand. Fans can catch all the action on the SEC Network + and the ESPN app.
In the first set, Kentucky took an early lead thanks to kills from DeLeye and Goetzinger. Both teams traded points for a while, but the Wildcats maintained the upper hand. They eventually secured an eight-point win in the set, with Grome recording 15 assists.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Kentucky once again starting strong. They maintained a three-point lead throughout the set, eventually winning 25-18. DeLeye continued to dominate on offense, adding five more kills to her impressive tally.
In the third set, Texas A&M came out strong and took an early lead. They managed to secure a four-point lead, forcing Kentucky to call a timeout. However, the Wildcats fought back, with DeLeye and Goetzinger leading the charge. They tied the set at 23, but Texas A&M managed to pull off a win, snapping Kentucky’s ten-set win streak.
In the fourth set, Kentucky quickly regained their momentum, propelled by Tealer’s strong performance. They built a substantial lead and never let Texas A&M come close to mounting a comeback. The Wildcats sealed the victory with an emphatic kill from Lamb.
An important moment in the match came early in the fourth set when Kentucky lost their first set in 11 days. However, a successful challenge by coach Craig Skinner shifted the momentum in favor of the Wildcats. The team went on a decisive 10-2 run, ensuring there would be no opportunity for a Texas A&M comeback.
Azhani Tealer was the standout player for Kentucky, recording 12 kills with an impressive attacking percentage of .688. She also contributed three blocks, including a solo block.
Kentucky’s win streak and strong performance in this match solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in college volleyball. Their balanced attack and strong defense make them a formidable opponent for any team.
Fans can continue to follow the Wildcats’ journey on Twitter and Instagram at @KentuckyVB.
