Kentucky volleyball sweeps Purdue to make program’s first Final Four

The Kentucky Wildcats volleyball program has reached its first Final Four after defeating Purdue 3-0 in the Elite Eight.

After falling behind by five in the first set, Kentucky ripped off six straight and eventually claimed a 25-23 win.

The second set was a back-and-forth affair that saw the Cats pull away late for a 25-20 triumph.

The third set saw Kentucky build a huge lead but had to hold off a late Purdue surge to win 25-16 and sweep the match.

Alli Stumler recorded 16 kills, while Madison Lilley notched 38 assists and 10 digs.

Head coach Craig Skinner now has his first Final Four after taking over the program in 2004. Prior to Skinner’s arrival, the volleyball Cats had no winning seasons in the previous five years and had not made an NCAA Tournament since 1993.

Up next, Kentucky will face the Washington Huskies in the Final Four on Thursday at 7 pm ET on ESPN. The Wisconsin Badgers and Texas Longhorns face off in the other national semifinal game at 9:30.

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