The Kentucky volleyball team is preparing to take on Cal Poly in the regional semifinals of the 2025 NCAA Volleyball Tournament this Thursday. Cal Poly, having made a stunning run by upsetting both BYU and USC, arrives in Lexington as a formidable opponent despite their lower seed. Kentucky, the No. 2 national seed, recognizes the challenge that lies ahead.
Head coach Craig Skinner expressed his respect for Cal Poly, emphasizing that their talent and gameplay merit more recognition than their seeding suggests. “I think if the RPI system was a little different, their RPI would be pretty significantly higher,” Skinner explained. He highlighted the team’s competitive spirit and the impressive season they’ve had, which has earned them the respect of the Kentucky squad.
Junior Brooklyn DeLeye echoed these sentiments, noting the unique dynamics of postseason play where every team starts anew. Reflecting on Kentucky’s previous game against Wofford, DeLeye acknowledged that their performance could improve. “Having those two matches going into a game like tomorrow truly helped us,” she said. DeLeye believes that Cal Poly will enter the match with a fearless attitude, playing freely and bringing significant energy. She sees this matchup as an opportunity for Kentucky to demonstrate their resilience in facing high-stakes challenges.
Skinner underscored the importance of maintaining a standard of play, regardless of opponents. He expressed confidence that the Cats have consistently approached each match with focus and determination. “Cal Poly will certainly bring that out of us,” he noted.
As the team prepares, Skinner emphasized that their practice approach is now about refinement and readiness rather than making major changes. He clarified, “There’s only so many things you can continue to improve on in practice.”
With Cal Poly’s recent upsets fresh in their minds, Kentucky is committed to not underestimating their opponent. This match serves as another critical moment for the Wildcats, as they seek to prove their capabilities and navigate the pressures of the tournament effectively.
