Top 10 Rivalry Showdown: Louisville Hosts Kentucky Volleyball

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Battle of the Bluegrass resumes Thursday night at 6 p.m. when No. 3 Louisville (7-1) hosts No. 6 Kentucky (5-2) at the KFC Yum! Center, a match set to be broadcast on ESPNU.

This highly anticipated matchup features two of the nation’s top volleyball programs. Kentucky aims to bounce back from a recent loss to No. 5 Pittsburgh, while Louisville seeks to maintain its momentum after triumphing over Creighton in the Bluejay Invitational.

When head coach Craig Skinner of Kentucky addressed the media, he expressed excitement for the rivalry’s return. “Thursday night in the Yum Center will be a great match for our crowd and fans,” he said. Despite facing tough competition, including matches against the top-ranked Nebraska, Skinner believes the Wildcats’ early-season challenges will ultimately strengthen the team.

Leading the Wildcats is junior Brooklyn DeLeye, who is averaging 4.88 kills per set, currently ranked third in the Southeastern Conference and ninth nationally. Senior Eva Hudson has also emerged as a vital offensive player, contributing 3.67 kills per set.

For Louisville, first-year head coach Dan Meske is focused on continuing the program’s recent success. The Cardinals have won the last four encounters against their in-state rivals. “It’s definitely a big deal. It’s a rivalry full of momentum swings,” Meske stated.

Despite the departure of head coach Dani Busboom Kelly to Nebraska, Meske aims to keep the pressure on, maintaining Louisville’s high expectations with returnees like All-American Cara Cresse and setter Nayelis Cabello. Meske praised newcomer Chloe Chicoine for her impact on the team.

The rivalry has a storied history, with Kentucky leading the all-time series 31-28, though Louisville has taken the last four meetings. “It’s special for the state, special for younger volleyball players aspiring to be part of our teams,” Skinner said.

As both teams prepare for the showdown, players like UK sophomore Asia Thigpen are ready for the challenge, emphasizing the significance of the rivalry across all sports in Kentucky. “Every single sport has that Louisville rivalry,” Thigpen noted.

Fans are eager to witness this thrilling contest, with a predicted crowd exceeding 10,000 people at the Yum Center, marking another exciting chapter in this fierce competition. “When Kentucky is there, it’s got a different vibe,” Meske concluded.