Kentucky VB ends spring schedule with loss against Pittsburgh

It’s the end of a short, four-match spring schedule for Kentucky volleyball.

The Wildcats concluded their offseason clashes with a matchup vs. Pittsburgh at Olentangy Berlin High School on Sunday. Coming into the matchup, Kentucky was winless, with two losses and one tie so far in the spring. The fortunes weren’t turned, seeing the ‘Cats up against a highly-talented and experienced Pitt squad.

The Panthers demonstrated their quality throughout the match. Kentucky hasn’t taken it easy with the scheduling this offseason. A professional team of Athletes Unlimited was on the schedule and now Pitt, which made the Final Four last season, went against the ‘Cats. At first, UK was playing the part against the Panthers.

. @Reaganrutherfrd and @EmmaGrome are ready for the last match of the spring! #SpringCats #UKVB pic.twitter.com/iQkfXSqopM

— Kentucky Volleyball (@KentuckyVB) April 16, 2023

Erin Lamb continued her impressive spring in the first set. She got on the board early with a kill and then added two aces to stretch Kentucky’s lead to 13-7 in the opening set. The ‘Cats stayed on top of Pitt as the first frame dwindled down. Jordyn Williams contributed with a dig late as the visiting Wildcats went on to win the first set 25-20.

Both Williams and Lamb have been pivotal for UK during the offseason. Their roles in the team come fall time will be something interesting to keep an eye on him.

Change of pace

Pitt started to dial in at the start of the second set. A 13-7 Panthers run forced Kentucky to burn its first timeout of the set. Out of the stoppage, the ‘Cats traded points but it wasn’t enough considering Pitt’s hot start to the set. It was 1-1 going into the third before you knew it. The Panthers kept their momentum as the third set began.

Despite a 12-7 start to the set for Pitt, Williams was everywhere on the floor. She had already picked up an ace, a kill, and a dig — truly great things ahead for her. Oklahoma transfer Megan Wilson made an immediate impact off the bench. All that wasn’t enough as the Panthers closed out the third set to take a 2-1 lead in the match.

Wilson kept her mojo rolling with an early kill in the fourth set. Williams then got her hands on a block a couple of moments later as both squads traded blows. With the score tied at 17, Kentucky ran out of juice down the stretch. Pitt closed the match out on an 8-5 run to put the ‘Cats away. A 3-1 final scoreline was all that was written.

Final remarks

As Kentucky’s offseason schedule comes to a close, I want to leave with you a couple of parting thoughts.

No, the Wildcats didn’t win a match during these four spring contests. However, there are many positives to take away. Erin Lamb looks to be a serious offensive threat for this squad moving forward. We know what Azhani Tealer, Reagan Rutherford, Emma Grome, and Eleanor Beavin all bring to the table. Quality, that’s what they bring. Lamb though, has shown her improved game over the course of these four matches.

While Williams and Wilson may not be the names you’ve circled for pivotal players this coming season, start getting that marker out. Expect a big role from this duo, even if they’re not the first names in the starting lineup.

Finally, on a location basis. Kentucky volleyball will not play any matches inside Memorial Coliseum next season. Memorial Coliseum is getting renovated and will make its glorified return in 2024. Here’s to a new chapter.