Leah Edmond celebrates following a point earlier this season – The UK sophomore posted a career-best .485 hitting percentage in a win vs. Missouri on Wednesday – Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country).
After dropping the first set on Wednesday night, No. 10 Kentucky rallied to defeat Missouri, 3-1 (19-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19). The matchup in Columbia was the SEC opener for both clubs. Both the Wildcats and Tigers were top three preseason SEC favorites and Wednesday’s match was the only time the two teams will meet this season.
Sophomore Leah Edmond led the way for Kentucky, posting 18 kills on 33 swings for a career-high .485 hitting percentage. Edmond added 8 digs, finishing two shy of a double-double, and added four blocks.
In addition to Edmond, freshman Avery Skinner and senior Darian Mack made an impact offensively. Skinner posted 14 kills on 37 swings, while Mack added eight kills on a .333 hitting percentage. Senior Kaz Brown added eight kills, while junior Brooke Morgan chipped in three.
Setting Edmond up for a career night was freshman Madison Lilley. The UK freshman setter posted her fifth double-double of her young career behind 52 assists and her 12 digs matched a career best. The 52 assists mark the third time the freshman has surpassed 50 assists in a match.
Defensively, the Wildcats picked up a boost from senior libero Ashley Dusek. The senior missed action early this season, recovering from knee surgery. Dusek made her first start of the season vs. Louisville last Friday and last night, she led the Wildcats with 17 digs.
In addition to strong defensive play from Dusek, senior Emily Franklin provided a strong force on the frontline. Franklin totaled a match-high eight blocks while adding eight kills.
The victory improves Kentucky to 10-2 overall and gives them a leg up with a 1-0 start in SEC play. The Wildcats return home to face LSU on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET.
