University of Kentucky Women’s Volleyball Secures NCAA Tournament 3-Seed, Set to Face Cleveland State

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky women’s volleyball team has secured a 3-seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for a decisive first-round match against Cleveland State on Thursday at 7:30 PM EST. The match will be hosted at UK’s Memorial Coliseum.

The winner of this matchup will advance to face the victor of the contest between Western Kentucky and sixth-seeded Minnesota, which kicks off earlier that same day at 4:30 PM EST. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+, allowing fans to follow the teams’ journeys in the tournament.

In the second round, scheduled for Friday at 7:00 PM EST, the Wildcats could potentially face stronger competition, including Morehead State, which is set to compete against the overall tournament’s top seed, Pittsburgh, at the same time. Additionally, Louisville enters the tournament as a one seed, adding to the competitive landscape of this side of the bracket.

UK volleyball received further recognition earlier in the day when Craig Skinner was named SEC Coach of the Year for the sixth time, underscoring his impact on the program’s success. Alongside him, outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye was honored with the Player of the Year award, marking her as the sixth player from Kentucky to earn this distinction in the last seven seasons. These accolades reflect the dedication and talent present within the team and highlight their efforts throughout the season.

As the Wildcats prepare for their first hurdle in the NCAA Tournament, expectations are high for what fans hope will be a deep run into the postseason. The team’s consistent performance this year sets a solid foundation for their upcoming matches and potential advancement.