The Kentucky Volleyball team secured a convincing victory against Auburn in the quarterfinals of the 2025 SEC Volleyball Tournament, winning 3-0. The match was held in Savannah, Georgia, demonstrating Kentucky’s dominance with set scores of 25-15, 25-20, and 25-22. The Wildcats demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill, led by standout performances from Eva Hudson and Brooklyn DeLeye.
Hudson’s Flawless Play Propels Kentucky to Semifinals
A key player in Kentucky’s triumph was Eva Hudson, who achieved an impressive performance with 13 kills and no errors. Brooklyn DeLeye contributed significantly with 15 kills, showcasing the Wildcats’ offensive strength. This victory marks Kentucky’s return to the SEC Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2005.
Match Highlights
- Bill: Kentucky hit .349 overall, just shy of .350 for the third consecutive match.
- Hudson and DeLeye both exceeded 10 kills, while Lizzie Carr added 8 kills on 15 attempts.
- Kassie O’Brien orchestrated the offense with 42 assists and also recorded 10 digs.
- The Wildcats controlled the defensive play, limiting Auburn to a hitting percentage of .168.
- Kentucky outblocked Auburn, a team known for its defensive prowess, with a tally of 6-4.
Set Breakdown
In the first set, Kentucky surged ahead, achieving a decisive 25-15 victory while hitting .297. The Wildcats showcased their dominance by holding Auburn to a mere .111 hitting percentage.
The second set saw Kentucky continue its strong performance, winning 25-20 with a hitting percentage of .371. A crucial 3-0 run after the media timeout helped Kentucky seize the lead for good.
The final set proved to be the most competitive, but Kentucky ultimately sealed the match with a 25-22 win. Despite trailing early in the set, key kills helped the Wildcats maintain control and secure their place in the semifinals.
Kentucky will face the winner of the (4) Tennessee and (5) Florida matchup in the semifinals scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, which will be broadcasted live on the SEC Network. Fans can expect coverage from broadcasters Eric Frede, Emily Ehman, and Michella Chester.
Overall, Kentucky’s flawless play, anchored by the performances of Hudson and DeLeye, has propelled them to the semifinals, demonstrating their potential to compete for the SEC title.
