UK Volleyball Schedule Announced

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Welcome back, Wildcats! It\’s that time of year again. The UK Volleyball team has released its 2023 schedule and it\’s packed with exciting matchups. The Wildcats will face off against some of the top teams in the country. So, mark your calendars and get ready for some thrilling volleyball action! Let\’s dive into the details of the UK Volleyball\’s 2023 schedule.

Non-Conference Schedule

The Kentucky Wildcats\’ 2023 non-conference schedule features a challenging and diverse slate of opponents, providing the team with an opportunity to showcase its talent and prepare for the rigors of SEC play. With a mix of home matches in Lexington and road trips to neighboring states, the Wildcats will look to build momentum and establish a strong foundation for the season.

Match 1: Home Opener vs. Miami (OH)

The Wildcats kick off their season on August 25th at the friendly confines of Memorial Coliseum, welcoming the Miami (OH) Redhawks for their home opener. The Redhawks, coming off a 10-12 campaign in 2022, will be eager to spoil Kentucky\’s home debut. However, the Wildcats, with their experienced roster and talented newcomers, will be determined to start their season with a victory.

Match 2: Bluegrass Battle Invitational

The annual Bluegrass Battle Invitational, hosted by the Wildcats, will once again provide an entertaining showcase of some of the region\’s top volleyball programs. On September 1st and 2nd, Kentucky will host Louisville, Western Kentucky, and Cincinnati for a round-robin tournament. Each team will play each other once, giving the Wildcats an opportunity to test themselves against familiar foes. The tournament offers a chance for Kentucky to gain valuable experience against high-level competition and establish some early momentum in the season.

Match 3: Road Trip to Indiana State

UK will conclude its non-conference schedule with a road trip to Terre Haute, Indiana, on September 5th, to face the Indiana State Sycamores. The Sycamores, who finished 19-12 in 2022, will pose a formidable challenge for the Wildcats. Kentucky will need to bring their best effort to Indiana State\’s friendly confines and showcase their ability to perform on the road. A victory in this match would provide a significant boost to the Wildcats\’ confidence heading into SEC play.

SEC Schedule

Kentucky\’s rigorous SEC schedule includes a series of challenging matchups that will test their mettle.

Match 4

UK will kick off its SEC campaign with a home game against the University of Florida Gators on September 12th. The Gators, under the guidance of head coach Mary Wise, are consistently ranked among the top teams in the conference and nationally. Kentucky will need to bring their best effort to secure a victory on their home court.

Match 5

Following their home opener, the Wildcats will embark on a road trip to face the Louisiana State University Tigers on September 16th. LSU, led by head coach Fran Flory, has been a formidable opponent in the SEC in recent seasons. The match promises to be a tightly contested battle as both teams vie for an early conference win.

Match 6

UK will return to Lexington to host the University of Mississippi Rebels on September 23rd. Ole Miss, coached by Kayla Banwarth, has been a consistent SEC contender under her leadership. Kentucky will need to capitalize on their home-court advantage and showcase their skills to secure the victory.

Match 7

On September 30th, the Wildcats will travel to Tuscaloosa to face the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama, led by head coach Lindsey Devine, boasts a talented roster and has emerged as a rising star in the SEC. Kentucky will need to play with determination and poise to overcome this formidable opponent on the road.

Match 8

In their fifth SEC game, the Wildcats will host the University of Tennessee Lady Vols on October 5th. Tennessee, under the legendary leadership of head coach Kelly Fee, is a perennial powerhouse in both the SEC and nationally. Kentucky will need to play at their best to challenge the Lady Vols and secure a victory.

Remaining SEC Schedule

With seven matches remaining in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule, the Kentucky Wildcats will face a formidable slate of opponents as they aim to strengthen their position in the conference standings.

Match 7

Following a bye week, the Wildcats will embark on a road trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to face the Alabama Crimson Tide on September 30th. Alabama enters this matchup with a 10-5 overall record and a 2-3 mark in conference play. Kentucky will look to extend its winning streak against the Crimson Tide, having won the previous four encounters.

Match 8

On October 7th, the Wildcats will return home to Memorial Coliseum to host the South Carolina Gamecocks. South Carolina currently holds a 12-3 record and is tied for second place in the SEC standings with a 4-1 conference record. This will be a crucial matchup for Kentucky as they attempt to move up the conference ladder and challenge for a top-four finish.

Match 9

The Wildcats will embark on another road trip on October 14th, traveling to Athens, Georgia, to face the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia has a solid 9-7 overall record and a 3-2 mark in SEC play. Kentucky will aim to build on its recent success against Georgia, having won the last two meetings between the teams.

October Schedule

After a tough road trip, Kentucky will return home to Memorial Coliseum on Friday, October 21st, to host Auburn. The Tigers (12-6, 4-2 SEC) are coming off a three-match winning streak, including a sweep over Arkansas last weekend. They have a balanced attack led by senior outside hitter Jada Meeks, who averages 3.44 kills per set, and junior middle blocker Emani Evans, who averages 2.87 kills and 1.23 blocks per set. Kentucky will need to be at their best to protect their home court and earn a victory.

Following the match against Auburn, the Wildcats will hit the road again, traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee, to face the Volunteers on Friday, October 28th. Tennessee (11-7, 3-3 SEC) has been up and down this season but is always a tough opponent at home. They are led by senior outside hitter Danielle Mahaffey, who averages 3.63 kills per set, and junior libero Tessa Grubbs, who averages 4.55 digs per set. Kentucky will need to play disciplined volleyball and control the tempo of the match to pull off an upset on the road.

Kentucky will wrap up the month of October with a road match at Arkansas on Sunday, October 30th. The Razorbacks (10-8, 2-4 SEC) are coming off a tough loss to Auburn last weekend but have a talented team led by senior outside hitter Jillian Gillen, who averages 3.28 kills per set, and junior middle blocker Devyn Robinson, who averages 2.66 kills and 1.12 blocks per set. Kentucky will need to be ready for a physical battle and match the Razorbacks\’ intensity to earn a road victory.

November/Postseason Schedule

Match 13

The Wildcats will kick off November with an electrifying home match against Mississippi State on November 4th. This showdown marks an important opportunity for UK to showcase their prowess and secure a crucial victory against a formidable SEC opponent. The Bulldogs, known for their tenacious defense and potent offense, will provide a stern test for the Wildcats. A win against Mississippi State would boost UK\’s confidence and strengthen their position in the conference standings.

Match 14

On November 11th, the Wildcats travel to Lexington to face their arch-rivals, the Kentucky Wildcats. This highly anticipated rivalry match is always filled with intense competition and passionate fan support. The Wildcats will aim to defend their home court and extend their winning streak against their in-state foes. With both teams eager to make a statement, this match promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.

Match 15

UK will conclude the regular season with a crucial home match against Missouri on November 18th. The Tigers, known for their explosive offense and relentless defense, will pose a significant challenge for the Wildcats. UK will need to maintain their composure and execute their game plan to secure a victory in this pivotal contest. A strong performance against Missouri would cement their position in the SEC standings and provide momentum heading into the postseason.

SEC Tournament

The SEC Tournament will be held from November 22nd to 26th in Oxford, Mississippi. The top teams from the SEC regular season will battle it out for the conference championship. UK will look to build on their regular season success and make a deep run in the tournament. With the SEC boasting some of the nation\’s top teams, the tournament is sure to be filled with thrilling matches and intense competition.

NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament begins on December 1st. The top teams from across the country will vie for the national championship. UK will hope to earn an NCAA Tournament berth by performing well in the SEC Tournament and the regular season. With their talented roster and unwavering determination, the Wildcats have the potential to make a significant impact in the NCAA Tournament and compete for the ultimate prize in collegiate volleyball.