COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sixth-ranked Kentucky needed only three sets to beat South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, on Friday, sweeping the Gamecocks inside the Carolina Volleyball Center. The Wildcats won 25-14, 25-17 and 25-16.
The loss drops the Gamecocks to 9-15 overall and 2-12 in the SEC. Kentucky improved to 19-5 and 11-3 in league play.
Kentucky pulled away early in each set. The Wildcats built a 20-10 cushion in the opener, used a six-point burst to take control of the second after a 15-11 media timeout, and stretched the third to 19-10 before the Gamecocks called their second timeout.
Ella Grivna had five kills to lead South Carolina, one off her season high. Kiana Dinn set up nine assists, Sydney Floyd added eight, and Lily Gillespie topped the team with nine digs. Ava Leahy and Elizabeth McElveen each served an ace.
Friday doubled as Senior Night for Floyd and McElveen, the team’s two seniors. It also brought coach Sarah Rumely Noble face to face with Craig Skinner, who coached her at Kentucky from 2006 to 2009 and still runs the Wildcats.
The Gamecocks finish the regular season at home Sunday, Nov. 15, when No. 11 Tennessee, 18-5 and 9-4 in the SEC, visits for a 1 p.m. match. Admission to that one is free.
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