Kentucky volleyball cruises past Wofford to begin its NCAA Tournament run at Rupp Arena

The Kentucky volleyball team cruised into the second round of the national postseason Thursday night, securing a straightforward three-set sweep over Wofford inside Rupp Arena.

UK, the No. 8 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, got double-digit kills from both freshman Brooklyn DeLeye (13) and senior Elise Goetzinger (12) and recorded set wins of 25-17, 25-15 and 25-16 over Wofford.

The Terriers were making their NCAA Tournament debut after winning the Southern Conference Tournament to earn an automatic bid to the 64-team postseason.

Wofford senior outside hitter Addison Foote — who is from Prospect, Kentucky, and went to North Oldham High School — had four digs and three kills. Foote began her college career at VCU.

Kentucky, which has now won 17 straight matches, was to face Baylor in the NCAA Tournament second round. Prior to UK’s match inside Rupp on Thursday, Baylor (17-12) defeated James Madison 25-15, 25-19 and 25-19 to advance to the round of 32.

Junior outside hitter Elise McGhee had 16 kills to lead Baylor. McGhee entered the NCAA Tournament averaging 3.70 kills per set.

The Wildcats and Bears were to play for a spot in the Sweet 16 at 7 p.m. Friday.

Head coach Craig Skinner has taken UK to the Sweet 16 on eight previous occasions.

What did he expect from Baylor on Friday night?

“(A) little bit more complex offense the way they run it, with the speed that they have,” Skinner said. “And variations of where they attack along the net. Certainly (we need) to be prepared for that. They’re going to have some impressive kills. When we get opportunities, we’re going to have to capitalize on them.”

Brooklyn DeLeye leads Kentucky in NCAA Tournament opener

UK was powered in its NCAA Tournament opener by DeLeye, who was recently named the SEC Freshman of the Year.

DeLeye, who leads the Wildcats in kills and kills per set, had 13 kills to lead the Wildcats on Thursday, along with nine digs. Goetzinger was right behind her with 12 kills.

“I think we just went into this game like it was our last,” DeLeye said of her approach to her first postseason match. “I think just going in together, just playing as a team, really helped.”

Wofford hit only .155 in the match.

On Wednesday, Skinner said Kentucky’s service would be of importance against the Terriers, who run a distinct 6-2 offensive setup.

UK recorded three service aces in the match, and despite some stellar serve receive and passing by Wofford, Kentucky’s serve eventually caused tempo issues for the Wofford offense.

“That will certainly need to be a theme (for) the whole tournament, especially tomorrow night,” Skinner said of UK’s serving ability.

Wofford’s best player — senior middle blocker Sarah Barham — tied for the team’s lead with eight kills and also added three blocks. Wofford finishes the season with a 23-8 record.

Junior setter Emma Grome continues to excel in new-look UK offense

A pillar of consistency for Kentucky volleyball in recent seasons has been junior setter Emma Grome.

The 2022 SEC Player of the Year and one of five UK players named to the 2023 All-SEC team, Grome has continued her high level of play — headlined by creative distribution to start the Kentucky attack — even as Kentucky reworked its offense this season.

Grome has totaled more than 1,200 assists this season for the Cats.

“Just the adaptability that Emma has had to go from one way of running an offense and training at the setter position,” Skinner said Wednesday prior to the NCAA Tournament. “... A new system, a new way to call some things and run your offense through your middles and new terminology ... for her to have the IQ and emotional IQ to be able to navigate that has been really impressive.”

Entering the NCAA Tournament, Grome was the only player in the country averaging more than 12 assists per set (12.08).

In Thursday’s win over Wofford, Grome had a whopping 38 assists.

Louisville wins NCAA Tournament opener, WKU to begin play Friday

In similar fashion to Kentucky, Louisville began its NCAA Tournament on Thursday night with a win at home.

The Cardinals, who reached the NCAA championship match last season and went 24-4 overall in the 2023 regular season, defeated Wright State in four sets on Thursday.

U of L was to play Western Michigan on Friday night in Louisville with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line.

Western Kentucky was not scheduled to begin its NCAA Tournament until Friday.

The Hilltoppers (29-4 overall and 16-0 in Conference USA during the regular season) were to play Coastal Carolina on Friday in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the first round. The winner of that match will face the winner of High Point and host Tennessee in a second-round match on Saturday night.

Friday

Baylor at No. 8 Kentucky

What: Second round of NCAA Tournament

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Rupp Arena

TV: ESPN Plus

Records: Baylor 17-12, Kentucky 20-7