On Sunday afternoon, UK volleyball defeated Marquette Golden Eagles in a close four-set match (25-23, 24-26, 25-23, 25-23), which extended their record to 7-2. 

Offensively, Kentucky’s hot-hitting hand led the game. 

Madison Lilley was a huge part to the offense, as she posted a career high 65 assists, and some of those were big plays for Leah Edmond as she posted 26 kills for the game.

The Cats offensively were getting the job done scoring on almost every swing in the first set against the Golden Eagles, however their service errors is what led to Marquette staying within close range to the Cats.

Set one was when senior Kaz Brown made her presence known with big-time kills and blocks. Brown would end up finishing with 14 kills

Even though the offense was performing well after winning the first set, the service errors did come back to effect UK as Marquette took the second set 24-26.

Going into the third set, Kentucky got off to a slow start. However the Cats’ frontline did not back down and continuously challenged Marquette’s backline. Emily Franklin continuously stayed in front of the Golden Eagles and was a key player in the Cats’ third set win.

Keeping the ball alive on defense was an effective way for Kentucky to set their offense up in transition and it worked well for them. Franklin would end up finishing with six blocks.

Going into the fourth set ahead of Marquette 2-1, UK kept that hot-hitting hand going as they took an early lead over the Golden Eagles. 

The teamwork and transition performance from Kentucky was impressive today as continued to connect to the floor against Marquette. However, Marquette was able to still keep within reach of the Cats due to more service errors.

In the end, the Cats would end up winning the fourth set, which concluded the match.

Edmond was the player to watch tonight as she was effective all over the floor. At the net she finished high for her team, also on backline she was able to effective contribute big plays for the Cats. Edmond finished with a team-leading 26 kills. 

Freshman Avery Skinner also was effective in today’s match as she posted 17 kills for the Cats. 

Up next for the Cats is a home game next Friday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. where the Cats will take on the University of Louisville in Memorial Coliseum.