The Kentucky Volleyball team punched its ticket to the NCAA national championship match with a thrilling five-set triumph over Wisconsin, edging them out 3-2. Now, the Wildcats are gearing up for a historic showdown against Texas A&M on December 21 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, as both squads make history in the first all-SEC national championship match in Division I women’s volleyball.
Kentucky head coach Craig Skinner has every reason to be proud, as he prepares for his second shot at a national championship and his first since guiding the Wildcats to glory in 2020.
What Message Did Kentucky Volleyball’s Craig Skinner Send After Victory Against Wisconsin?
Kentucky saw standout performances from many of its players, including AVCA Player of the Year finalist and outside hitter Eva Hudson, who recorded 29 kills on .455 hitting with seven digs, two blocks, and a service ace.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn DeLeye contributed 15-18 points, including a team-high five blocks, and Kassie O’Brien recorded 54 assists.
The Wildcats dropped the opening set, bounced back in the second, and stumbled in the third before clawing out a gritty 26-24 win in Set 4 to force a decisive fifth. With momentum on their side, they surged to a 15-13 victory, posting their best hitting percentage of the match at .409.
Afterward, Skinner reflected on his team’s resilience in a post-match press conference:
“I’m trying to find stats that we actually led in this match, and I finally got to blocks – we were close. The cool thing about this team is I thought we’d done it all and found every way possible to win, and tonight was a different way. The way they play and the heart they show is immeasurable,” he said.
Skinner added by saying that his team will have many admirers across the country thanks to their performances: “I keep telling them they’re transformational leaders in the way they go about it and what they’ve done for the sport, especially in Kentucky, but around the country too. So proud of them, but the job isn’t finished.”
Skinner also praised Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield and his assistant coach, John Shondell, saying that they did an extremely good job of bringing the Badgers to the Final Four after their poor start to the season.
Kentucky Volleyball vs Texas A&M Promises To Be An Exciting Watch
Kentucky has the momentum heading into the national championship match, having now recorded 27 consecutive wins. They won the SEC Championship with a record of 15-0, with Texas A&M finishing behind them with a 14-1 record.
Overall, the Wildcats have a 30-2 record, while the Aggies hold a 28-4 record.
Texas A&M will be marking its first-ever appearance in the national championship match, with Kyndal Stowers and Maddie Waak recording impressive performances in the semifinal match against Pitt.
Kentucky will certainly have its eye on them as they look to capture another national title.
