In a commanding performance, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Wofford Terriers 3-0 in the first round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. The match, held in Lexington, showcased standout performances from Brooklyn DeLeye and Molly Tuozzo, propelling Kentucky forward in their tournament quest.
Match Summary
The Wildcats secured the victory with set scores of 25-11, 25-19, and 25-12. This win marks Kentucky’s advancement to face the eighth-seeded UCLA on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET, in the Historic Memorial Coliseum. Fans can tune in to the match on ESPN+.
Key Performers
- Brooklyn DeLeye: 14 kills, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive strength.
- Molly Tuozzo: 19 digs, setting a new school record for digs in a three-set match.
- Molly Berezowitz: 13 digs.
- Kassie O’Brien: 12 digs.
Record-Breaking Defense
Kentucky recorded a remarkable 66 digs during the match, breaking the previous school record for digs in a three-set match. The Wildcats achieved a hitting percentage of .298 and excelled in the third set with a standout .438 hitting percentage.
Set Breakdown
Set 1
Kentucky dominated the opener with a score of 25-11. The Wildcats held Wofford to a -.048 hitting percentage and built an early lead, led by Eva Hudson with five kills that helped extend the gap to 20-10. The set concluded with a 5-0 run by Kentucky.
Set 2
In the second set, Kentucky edged out Wofford 25-19. Despite trailing initially, the Wildcats regained control and finished with a 5-0 run to secure a two-set lead.
Set 3
The decisive third set ended with a 25-12 victory, demonstrating Kentucky’s dominance. The Wildcats jumped to a quick 10-4 lead and closed the match with another strong 5-0 run.
Wofford’s Journey
Wofford concluded its season with a 17-14 record, having secured an automatic bid from the Southern Conference. This marks their second NCAA Tournament appearance, following a previous encounter against Kentucky in 2023.
Looking Ahead
Kentucky’s performance sets the stage for a challenging matchup against UCLA. As the Wildcats continue their push in the NCAA tournament, the unity and talent displayed on the court will be crucial for future success.
For the latest updates on Kentucky Volleyball, follow the Wildcats on social media at @KentuckyVB.
