Volleyball goes for sixth consecutive win

By Anthony Crawford

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No. 21 UK Volleyball (9-5) hosts Mississippi State (11-4) at 7 p.m. on Friday. The Cats look to build off their current five-game winning streak against the SEC opponent.

UK has been able to go on their current win streak thanks to the team’s stellar defense. The Cats have yet to lose multiple sets on this line of wins, and have swept its opponent in two matches.

The great defensive play is partially thanks to the play of its Co-SEC Player of the Week Ashley Dusek and the prior week’s winner Kaz Brown. The East Bernard, Texas native has averaged 16.2 digs a game to keep possession alive for the Cats. Brown, on the other hand, is headlining UK’s blocking efforts — which rank third in the SEC in total blocks. The sophomore alone is first on the team and second in the SEC with 71 blocks.

On the other side of the ball, UK has found offense from the unexpected source of the SEC Freshman of the Week Brooke Morgan.

Morgan, an elusive defender for the Cats, provides a constant spark. The middle blocker earned the honor after producing 20 kills in two games. The week was highlighted by Morgan contributing a career high 13 kills against Florida. The freshman has shown nice progress throughout the season and hopes to continue improving for the Cats.

UK will have its hands full, as Mississippi State is second in the SEC in service aces. Junior Evie Grace Singleton leads the Bulldogs in that category, so the Cats will need to be cautious whenever she is up to serve.

Other than dealing with serves, UK will also be bothered by the Bulldog defense. Mississippi State leads the SEC in opponent’s hitting percentage so there will be no easy points for the Cats.

The Bulldogs have started 1-1 in the SEC so far, so they will look break even and get a quality road win against a ranked opponent when they come to face the Cats in Lexington.