The Gophers volleyball season ended Friday when they lost their second-round match in four sets against the University of Kentucky. 

The Gophers lost in the second round for the second consecutive year under head coach Keegan Cook. The Gophers enjoyed a first-round win against Western Kentucky on Thursday.

Instead of attending the post-game press conference to discuss how the Gophers fell short against Kentucky, Cook started by praising the senior class of his Gophers team.

After the match against Kentucky Cook said the senior group stuck through the transition, and when things were uncertain, the players made big decisions. This year’s senior class includes Melani Shaffmaster, Lydia Grote, Phoebe Awoleye, Elise McGhie and Skylar Gray. 

Cook said this group of seniors built a strong foundation for the program going forward.

“What a special group, right? They have given a lot to the program,” Cook said. “I’ll miss seeing these guys around the gym.”

Awoleye said after the first set against Kentucky, the conversation among the team focused on what was in front of them. 

“We knew that’s not that’s not how we play,” Awoleye said. “That’s not Gopher volleyball and we knew that at the end of the day, we just have to win the next set.”

Minnesota came back and won set two 25-23 before dropping the next two sets.

This year was not the farthest Shaffmaster made in the NCAA tournament in her career but felt like this team was the best she had ever been on. Shaffmaster played at Minnesota for all five years of her collegiate career.

“I have loved it since I got here. I loved it on my visit a long time ago,” Shaffmaster said. “I think it obviously sucks to lose, but at the end of the day, it was a lot of fun to be with these guys.”

The Gophers finished with an overall record of 21-11. Minnesota’s season was filled with highs and lows. They defeated Texas, who was No. 1 at the time, and No. 7 Wisconsin. They also experienced a three-game losing streak during the middle of the season. 

Grote, second on the team in total kills, was drafted 17th overall to the Professional Volleyball Federation by the Orlando Valkyries. She is the second Gopher to be drafted after Kylie Murr was selected 21st overall by the Vegas Thrill in 2023.

Grote joined the Gophers last season after transferring from the University of California. She said she is grateful for her time at the school. 

“There’s no place like Minnesota, it’s so special and I love it,” Grote said.