I got 5 on it: Emma Grome can't stop picking up awards for Kentucky VB

It’s like clockwork for sophomore sensation Emma Grome. Earlier this week, she was given her fifth SEC Setter of the Week award. Yes, her fifth. Once or maybe twice can be perceived as lucky, but at this point, it’s just got to be déjà vu for Kentucky’s star setter.

The reigning SEC Freshman of the Year has led the Wildcats to a 15-6 (10-2) record this season, including victories in 10 out of the last 11 matches. Kentucky hasn’t lost at home since the five-set defeat against LSU on September 24.

All year long

Grome’s performances have been an all-year phenomenon. How else would she have picked up five SEC Setter of the Week awards, right?

Grome has played in all of Kentucky’s 21 matches this season so far. Alongside Eleanor Beavin and Riah Walker, Grome has played in the most sets for the ‘Cats at 77. If that wasn’t enough, Grome leads the entire squad with 26 aces over the course of the year.

38, 44, and 46. Not lottery numbers, but assist totals for Grome in three of her last four matches. She runs this high-flying Kentucky offense which includes the likes of Reagan Rutherford and Adanna Rollins, who are both having magnificent campaigns.

Her 46-assist performance came during the 3-0 victory against Georgia last Wednesday. This was Grome’s 13th time this year with 40 or more assists in a match. It was also tied for her season-high in any three-set match so far this year.

All hail the Emma Grome Empire.

Possible rust for Kentucky

It’ll be eight days since Kentucky last played when Friday night rolls around against Mississippi State. This is the second-longest break that the Wildcats have had in between matches this year.

As it stands, Kentucky is a half-game back of Florida for first place in the SEC with a weekend series in Gainesville slated for later in the month. But Starkville will be the site for battle with play scheduled to begin at 9 p.m on Friday. Primetime volleyball… Who says no?