ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
The No. 5 Florida Gator volleyball team swept the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-0 25-15, 25-9, 25-22) Wednesday night. The victory moves the Gators to 23-2 (12-1 SEC) on the year, and kept Florida undefeated (13-0) at home.
Florida cruised through the first two sets, but needed a late rally to win the third. The Gators had similar troubles in their last match against Texas A&M, when they dropped a critical fourth set to the Aggies after dominating set three.
Gator coach Mary Wise said the team failed to show the improvement they made over their 10 day break on staying focused.
“I’d like to think the first two sets were more indicative of the progress we’ve made in taking advantage of a weekend of not playing,” Wise said.
The Gators were led in the match by sophomore outside hitter Ziva Recek. Recek recorded 15 kills in the match and hit .500, her best offensive efficiency percentage of SEC play. Wise said Recek improved over the Gators ten day break by working on her attack one-on-one with her setters.
“Really a lot of it was timing,” Wise said. “It was as if you were a quarterback and a wide receiver and took them out on the field and let them work through it.”
Florida also received key contributions from Simone Antwi and Chloe Mann, who recorded eight and seven kills respectively.
Next up for Florida is a Friday home match with the Missouri Tigers. The Gators will be looking for a bit of a revenge after the Tigers handed them their only conference loss of the season in October. Wise believes Florida will have to give it their all if they hope to come out on top.
“Friday night, its going to take the entire kitchen sink,” Wise said. “This Missouri team is as talented a team we’ve faced in the O’connell Center in years.”
First serve against the Tigers is set for 7 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:50 on ESPN 850 WRUF.
To hear coach Wise’s comments, click below.
