Kentucky volleyball’s Sweet 16 sweep of Cal Poly in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday was less about the final score and more about the identity this team has fully settled into.
From the opening points of the match inside Memorial Coliseum, the Cats took charge physically and strategically, starting with powerful right-side production and an emphasis on first-ball contact. Craig Skinner’s decision to sub in Kennedy Washington for Lizzie Carr early in the match showed just how matchup-focused the Wildcats have been during tournament play, ensuring Kentucky could maintain the blocking presence needed to control Cal Poly’s tempo-heavy offense.