Kentucky volleyball wins the National Championship

The Kentucky Wildcats volleyball team are the 2020 National Champions!

The Wildcats defeated the Texas Longhorns in four sets. Set scores went the following; 20-25, 25-18, 25-23, and 25-22, claiming the first title in program history.

In what was a hard-fought matchup between both programs, it was the high power offenses that stole the show on Saturday night. After a slow start in the first set, the Wildcats finally found the groove they have been in all season as they won three straight sets.

They did deal with some troubles early in the match when it comes to the transitions, but eventually were able to settle in and control the ball offensively.

Overall, the team finished with a .349 hitting percentage with 70 kills and 4 aces.

Defensively, the team played well with 55 digs and 9 blocks. Alli Stumler shined once again tonight as she had a .471 hitting percentage with 26 kills and 5 digs. Madi Skinner also showed why she was one of the best freshman in the country, as she finished with a .455 hitting percentage with 19 kills.

You also can't forget Madison Lilley finishing with 53 assists and 19 digs.

This season has been wild overall for Craig Skinner and his team. From playing in the fall, to taking a break in December, then starting another spring schedule, to where they are today, this team showed toughness. That is why they ultimately finished 24-1 and were ranked as the second national seed in the entire playing field. This second overall seed is the highest in program history.

Toughness has been the mantra of this volleyball program since Skinner took over in 2005. That grit and grind paid off ultimately with this season’s ultimate reward, making the program’s first National Championship appearance, and Skinner has proven that this program is a forced to be reckoned with.

Alongside another top recruiting class coming in next season, and with returnees from this roster, next season should be just as exciting as this one.

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