No. 3 Kentucky sweeps No. 6 Wisconsin in Milwaukee

No. 3 Kentucky volleyball swept No. 6 Wisconsin 3-0 to open the 2026 season at the AVCA First Serve event in Milwaukee, dominating late in each set. Kentucky posted a stellar team hitting percentage around .38 and held Wisconsin to .186, with the Wildcats controlling the net and finishing with 10 blocks to Wisconsin’s 5. Brooklyn DeLeye led Kentucky with 12 kills and Morgan Gaerte added 10, while Lizzie Carr and Asia Thigpen contributed 8 and 7 kills respectively, and Gaerte hit an efficient .529. Wisconsin highlighted Audrey Flanagan with 9 kills and freshman Lynney Tarnow contributing 8, but the Badgers could not sustain momentum or counter Kentucky’s late runs. Kentucky’s defense and passing were pivotal, with Kassie O’Brien adding 33 assists, nine digs, and four blocks as part of a balanced attack. The Wildcats extended their season-opening weekend, set to face No. 4 Pittsburgh next, as Wisconsin looks to regroup from the setback.