By Caitlin Schwartz

sports@kykernel.com

The No. 10 Kentucky (3-1) volleyball team started off slow against unranked Ohio (3-1) on Tuesday night. After the Bobcats scored three quick points to begin the game, the Cats had a slow around, barley taking the set 25-23.

The second set looked much like the first as head coach Craig Skinner called an aggravated time out. Never once taking the lead, the Cats lost the second go-around 19-25.

Tonight was the first time they’ve battled since 2012, when UK triumphed over Ohio, 3-1. The Wildcats are now 5-2 all-time against the Bobcats after Ohio prevailed over UK, 3-1 giving the Cats their first loss of the season.

“We had to learn how to fight through some adversity and we have to learn how to get better at that as we move forward,” Skinner said after the game. “We got more organized and had more success as the game went on but not enough at the end.”

Darian Mack, a 6-foot sophomore outside hitter for the Cats, helped her team tie up the third set with a pair of kills, bringing her to double-digits with ten kills. But it wasn’t enough to hold the Bobcats off from taking set three.

“Darian was very, very good in a lot of spurts tonight,” Skinner said. “Going forward we have to try and make sure we continue to work with her consistency and being able to perform for long periods of time.”

Mack finished the game with her second double-double of the season with 15 kills and 14 digs and added two blocks to the mix as well. Each team saved set points multiple times before Ohio ended the last set 30-28 to win the game.

“This game isn’t going to dictate our season,” Mack says talking about their first loss. “Now we know how it feels to be in this situation. It’s a learning lesson.”