Kentucky Braces for Skilled Cal Poly Matchup

Bassyonni

ago 27 minutes

Kentucky Braces for Skilled Cal Poly Matchup

The Kentucky volleyball team is set to compete against Cal Poly in the regional semifinals of the 2025 NCAA Volleyball Tournament. This exciting matchup occurs on Thursday in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kentucky’s Challenging Opponent: Cal Poly

Cal Poly is not to be underestimated. Despite being a lower seed, they achieved remarkable victories over BYU and USC to reach this stage. UK head coach Craig Skinner acknowledges their talent and potential. He stated that Cal Poly’s rankings do not reflect their true abilities.

Coach Skinner’s Insights

Skinner emphasized that if Cal Poly’s schedule differed, their Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) would be considerably higher. Their impressive gameplay has earned Kentucky’s respect. “The way they play and the talent they have puts them in the same category as top teams in the tournament,” Skinner remarked.

Junior Player’s Perspective

Junior Brooklyn DeLeye expressed that the postseason is a fresh start for all teams involved. “Everyone has a clean slate coming into the tournament,” she stated. Reflecting on their previous game against Wofford, DeLeye noted the need for a stronger start in their upcoming match against Cal Poly.

Cal Poly’s strengths include overwhelming energy and a fearless attitude.
DeLeye believes that they will operate with “house money,” which may drive their performance.

Preparation and Focus for Kentucky

Skinner believes in his team’s ability to maintain high standards regardless of their opponents. He noted Kentucky’s approach to previous matches where they were favored heavily. “This team has done a good job of playing to a standard we want to live up to,” Skinner said.

Looking Ahead

The Kentucky Wildcats are sharpening their skills as they prepare for this critical matchup. Skinner indicated that they are focusing on refining their strategies rather than making substantial changes at this late stage.

With Cal Poly upsetting strong teams recently, Kentucky is keenly aware of the challenge ahead. This match offers an opportunity for the Wildcats to showcase their readiness and resilience in handling high-pressure situations. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams vie for a spot in the next round of the tournament.