UK Volleyball Hosts Auburn: Preview and Game Thread

(Note: These Cats need a nickname. Hittin' Kittens is officially taken. Kill(er) Kittens was my best attempt, but let's be real: I'm not that creative. Consider this an open plea: help us name these fantastic Wildcats!)

After a sweep of the Vols in Knoxville - their second sweep in a row - the VolleyCats (huh, that may work) return to Memorial to face Auburn at noon on the SEC Network. What should we expect to see?

For starters, expect to see Kaz Brown continue to shine. This plucky 6'4" freshman MB delivered 8 FANTASTIC blocks Friday against Tennessee, on top of the game closing block last Sunday against TAMU. Also, look for Anni Thomasson to drive on offense. Anni's 15 kills Friday were icing on the cake to her .452 hitting, just days after delivering a career high 6 aces, 8 kills and 13 digs against the Aggies. Coach Skinner has got to be over the moon with the performance of his young Wildcats, which are a beautiful compliment to our very talented and experienced upperclassman.

Lauren O'Conner, who delivered her 1000th kill last weekend, continues to lead the front line in denying her SEC competition victory. Combine that with the prowess of three-time SEC Defensive POW Jackie Napper and it's little wonder the Cats are perfect in conference play.

Auburn visits Lexington toting a 9-9 overall record and a 1-4 in SEC play. There's no nice way to put this: that's not very good. That said, Auburn has two Kentucky natives starting to make some noise in Courtney Crable, who is already 6th on the all-time Auburn ace list, and Alexa Filley.

Interesting note: the NCAA Women's Volleyball RPI has Kentucky at 8th, ahead of Florida as well as perennial powerhouse Penn State. Hmmmm. Let's hope that bodes well for the Cats as we continue to claw our way through the SEC schedule.

Please join us right here at ASoB as we rally behind our Cats and help them bring home another Kentucky victory! GO CATS!