kentucky volleyball

Kentucky faced a formidable challenge this season, as they played a total of 16 matches against ranked teams. This impressive feat set a new program record for the most matches against ranked opponents. Their dedication and skill were evident in every game, as they competed against some of the toughest competition in the nation.

Grome, who led the NCAA with an average of 12.10 assists per set, played a crucial role in driving the Kentucky offense to an outstanding .285 hitting percentage for the season. She helped her team become the only one in the SEC with six different players averaging over two kills per set. Grome also displayed strong defensive skills, contributing 1.75 digs per set and a career-best 43 blocks throughout the season. Her exceptional performance has earned her a spot on the All-SEC team for the third consecutive year, as well as an AVCA All-Region membership. Grome has been a consistent presence on the AVCA Second Team All-American list throughout her three seasons with the Kentucky Volleyball team.

Throughout the season, Rutherford displayed her exceptional skills on the court, averaging 3.47 kills per set in her 78 appearances. She also contributed 1.53 digs per set and 0.90 blocks per set. Her stellar performance earned her a spot on the All-SEC team for the third time in her career. Additionally, she was recently named to the All-Region team and received the honor of being recognized as an American Volleyball Coaches’ Association All-American for the first time in her career in 2022.

DeLeye’s impressive statistics speak for themselves, with an average of 71 kills per set, earning her the title of SEC Freshman of the Year. Alongside her, teammates Eleanor Beavin, Emma Grome, Reagan Rutherford, and Azhani Tealer have also been recognized for their outstanding performances. This talented group of players has earned spots on the AVCA’s All-Southeast Region Team, which is comprised of teams from the SEC, Atlantic Sun, Big South, Southern Conference, SWAC, and Sun Belt.

Fans can catch all the action on ESPNU and the ESPN app, with the talented trio of Courtney Lyle, Holly McPeak, and Katie George providing the commentary from Lincoln. The match is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET, or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the (1) Nebraska vs. Georgia Tech match, which kicks off at 2 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN2.

Kentucky’s stellar line-up on the All-SEC Team included Eleanor Beavin, DeLeye, Emma Grome, Reagan Rutherford, and Azhani Tealer. These players showcased their exceptional skills, earning them a spot among the 18-person team. The team also had two representatives on the All-SEC Freshman Team, with Molly Tuozzo joining DeLeye on this prestigious list.

Since that loss to Tennessee, the Wildcats have won an impressive 16 consecutive matches and claimed their seventh consecutive Southeastern Conference title. Their hard work was rewarded once again when they were selected to host an NCAA Volleyball Tournament regional at Rupp Arena this week, something that seemed unlikely just two months ago.

Kentucky will have the advantage of playing on their home turf as they host James Madison, Baylor, and Wofford inside Rupp Arena at the Central Bank Center. The first and second round matches will begin on Thursday night. The action-packed schedule kicks off with regional two seed James Madison facing off against regional three seed Baylor at 4:30 p.m. ET. Following that, top-seeded Kentucky will take on the Wofford Terriers, the fourth regional seed.

Having already been a part of four (or in Tealer’s case, five) consecutive Southeastern Conference championships, as well as the 2020 national championship, won in a COVID-19 bubble in Omaha, this season presented unique challenges for the entire UK team. The Cats were displaced from their home at Memorial Coliseum due to renovations, which resulted in playing the majority of their matches on the road.

With this triumph, Kentucky clinched the outright SEC championship, finishing the league with an impressive 17-1 record. Their closest competitors, Tennessee and Arkansas, tied for second place with a 15-3 record in the SEC. This victory also extended Kentucky’s winning streak to 16 consecutive matches, solidifying their status as the NCAA’s longest winning streak.