LEXINGTON, Ky. — Big Blue Nation will get its first look at the 2019 Kentucky Volleyball team on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. ET vs. Western Kentucky for an exhibition match to take place at Dunbar High School in Lexington.
Wednesday night marks the 15th year of head coach Craig Skinner's tenure at Kentucky, something that will be celebrated all season long. In one of Skinner's most memorable matches at UK, the Wildcats were trailing two sets to none to WKU in the opening round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament thanks in large part to the performance of Hilltopper Alyssa Cavanaugh.
Before Volleyball 101 got going today, @TravisHudsonWKU talked a bit about our exhibition in Lexington on Wednesday and the awesome gesture from @KentuckyVB!#GoTops | #Win124 | @cavanaugh7 pic.twitter.com/yPFmV8arGw
— WKU Volleyball (@WKUVolleyball) August 17, 2019
Cavanaugh is now fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), after being diagnosed in September of 2018. Wednesday's match will be played with her in mind, as both teams will be wearing orange warm-up shirts — which is the color of the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation. Following warm-ups, both teams will change into their traditional uniforms for the match.
Admission to Wednesday's match is free, however donations will be accepted and encouraged for the Bone and Marrow Cancer Foundation upon entry to the Dunbar High School gymnasium. T-shirts will be on sale to help benefit the cause, as well. Donations will be accepted in cash or check only.
Statement from UK head coach Craig Skinner:We are really glad that we can partner with @WKUVolleyball to support the foundation that has helped Alyssa & her family so much. I can't wait to see our fans and the Lexington volleyball community come out in force to help us! https://t.co/3GZvLA9qjd
— Craig Skinner (@UKCoachSkinner) August 16, 2019
"For someone who has given so much to the sport of volleyball in the state of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University, we hope that this small gesture of ours can go a long way in helping the fight against cancer."
About the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation:
The Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation (BMCF) offers financial assistance and free support services to cancer and transplant patients and their families. The BMCF relies 100% on private donations to provide these vital services. Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation is the only organization of its kind that does not limit assistance to a specific disease, type of transplant, or age range.
Incredible gesture by a great program with great leadership....much respect....very appreciative. https://t.co/HNG8TNsof7
— Travis Hudson (@TravisHudsonWKU) August 17, 2019
