UNC fell in three sets to No. 3 Kentucky on the road in Lexington Wednesday night, suffering its first loss of the 2026 season.
The Wildcats dominated the first set, winning 16 of the final 21 points on their way to a 25-11 victory. Carolina was more competitive in the final two sets, but ultimately failed to reach the 20-point plateau in either. Kentucky won the second set 25-19 and the third 25-18, closing the match on a 7-1 scoring run after the score stood at 18-17.
Bridget Malone and Safi Hampton tied for the UNC team lead with seven kills. As a team, Kentucky totaled 49 kills to Carolina’s 27.
The Tar Heels are now 4-1 on the season. Up next, Carolina will travel to New York City to face Vanderbilt at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. The match is part of the “Anchor Down in Midtown” event, commemorating the opening of Vanderbilt University’s New York campus. First serve between the Tar Heels and Commodores is set for Sunday at 2 p.m.
Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Dalton Wainscott
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