Texas A&M fails to execute back-to-back wins over Kentucky
Texas A&M Volleyball (11-10, 3-7) took on No. 16 Kentucky (12-6, 7-2) for their final match of a two-day conference series after an impressive 3-0 win over the Wildcats on Saturday. Although energy was high, the Aggies were not able to complete the series sweep over Kentucky, losing 3-1.
Graduate transfer Caroline Meuth finished the match with 13 kills and two blocks. Freshman Logan Lednicky totaled 12 kills and five blocks on the day as well. Middle blocker Molly Brown had a career day with 10 total blocks through the four sets.
“Kentucky is a good team, and we knew it was going to be a battle,” A&M head coach Bird Kuhn said. “We need to stay true to ourselves and be clean. Our first contact on Saturday was above and beyond, and today, our passing wasn’t great.”
The first set was controlled by the Aggies from the start. With a block from Brown followed by several kills from Lednicky, the Aggies pulled ahead towards the end, going up 20-14. Kentucky could not close the gap as a block from Madison Bowser and Meuth ended the set, 25-19.
“That was high-level focus and execution,” Bird Kuhn said. “That's what we talk about, we have to be consistent with it now.”
The second set was riddled with errors and poor execution offensively on the Aggies' side of the net. Kentucky jumped ahead early and maintained their lead through the entirety of the set. Sophomore transfer Mia Johnson made her appearance in the second set but could not seem to help the Aggies out, as they lost 25-16.
The third set showed the same struggles as the Aggies were not able to find kills early. Kentucky, once again, pulled away, but the Aggies were able to close the gap with a handful of kills from Bowser and Lednicky. Despite their effort, the Aggies were not able to close out the set, 25-22.
“Having all hitters always being an option is always really good,” setter Elena Karakasi said. “I love when they're calling for the ball and getting up in transition. It really helps my game.”
The fourth set was close from start to finish, with both teams going point-for-point throughout the entirety of the set. Karakasi sent two balls over the net for back-to-back kills, followed by Meuth putting the ball down to bring the Aggies ahead 18-15. Due to four errors in a row and momentum shifting to the Wildcats, the Aggies played catch-up and almost sent the match to the fifth set. However, the Maroon & White were not able to close it out as Kentucky finished the match off with an ace, 26-24.
“We have to lock in, focus on us and what we need to clean up,” Kuhn said. “Then we’ll lock in on South Carolina.”
The Aggies are set to continue SEC play on Friday, Oct. 28 against South Carolina in Columbia. The first serve is set for 6 p.m. CT.