No. 3 Kentucky volleyball (14-2, 7-0 SEC) outlasted Florida (10-7, 5-3 SEC) in a five-set thriller, winning (25-16, 21-25, 19-25, 25-21, 15-6).
The Wildcats were powered by the dynamic duo of Eva Hudson and Brooklyn DeLeye, who combined for 41 kills and 23 digs to keep Kentucky unbeaten in SEC play. Both outside hitters notched double-doubles, cementing themselves as one of the top tandems in the nation.
Hudson led the way with 21 kills and 13 digs, while DeLeye added 20 kills and 10 digs. It marked DeLeye’s third 20-10 performance of the season and her fourth double-double. Hudson also recorded her second 20-10 match and fourth double-double overall.
“It’s amazing being in these pressure situations and knowing that she can put a ball away,” Hudson said. “She has my back and I have hers. It really takes the pressure off us in these big moments.”
The pair’s consistency has given Kentucky a balance it lacked last season. Both rank among the top 25 players nationally in kills per set and sit third and fifth, respectively, in the SEC. That production allows the Wildcats to thrive even when one of them isn’t at her best.
“Last year, if Brooklyn had an off night, we would’ve struggled to win,” Head Coach Craig Skinner said. “Now, with Eva in the mix, we always have another go-to option. That’s what makes this team so dangerous.”
After dropping the second and third sets, Kentucky’s offense reignited behind Hudson and DeLeye’s relentless attacking. The Wildcats hit .364 over the final two frames and dominated the decisive fifth set, opening with a 6-1 run and never looking back.
“She’s just an amazing teammate, and we kind of go off each other,” DeLeye said. “It’s really hard for teams to defend us because we’re so versatile across the board.”
Kentucky’s win marked its 10th straight victory and kept the Wildcats alone atop the SEC standings. The combination of Hudson’s power and DeLeye’s precision continues to fuel one of the most efficient offenses in the country.
The Wildcats will look to extend their conference lead when they return to action Friday, Oct. 24, against Mississippi State in Starkville, Mississippi.
