No. 10 Florida volleyball dominated Miami at the O’Connell Center in the “Showdown at the Net” ACC/SEC Challenge on Wednesday.
Florida fans showed out for the matchup on Club Sports Night, creating an electric atmosphere as the Gators swept Miami, 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-22) after being on the road for the last four matches.
The Gators (5-1) started the first set with a block to take the first point and quickly build momentum behind a seven-point service run from Bella Lee.
Florida’s strong blocking defense at the net caused Miami (0-5) to commit several hitting errors, while Miami setter Ariana Rodriguez kept the Gators guessing with her playmaking. Miami responded with a five-point run that cut Florida’s lead from 13-5 to 13-10.
Both teams recorded 10 kills, but Florida’s defense made the difference, as the Gators finished with five blocks compared to Miami’s one and forced nine errors at the net.
Florida closed out the set with five aces to Miami’s zero while Miami hit just .034 for the set.
The second set featured long rallies, as the Gators and ‘Canes battled for every point. Taylor Parks added two aces for Florida.
The Gators held a 19-16 lead before four consecutive errors allowed Miami to close the gap, followed by too late Florida service errors that gave the ‘Canes an opportunity.
Logan King dominated with the set-winning kill to finish with five kills in the set to help Florida take a 2-0 lead.
King continued to lead Florida’s offense in the third set, while Miami kept the set tight at 10-10 and 12-12 before taking a lead during a five-point run.
After a Florida time out, Kameryn Chaney answered with a kill and Jordyn Byrd helped to spark the Gators.
Chaney tied the set at 21-21 before Florida closed on an 8-1 run to complete the sweep.
King led the Gators with 11 kills, four blocks and 14 points. Chaney followed with 10 kills and 11 points.
“I like how this group can win it in different ways,” UF coach Ryan Theis said. “I like their grit, I like the way they fight and we can do some different things.”
The Gators are gearing up for another in-state matchup against Florida Atlantic (3-2) in the O’Dome at 7 p.m. Friday.
Florida has now swept its last three opponents, showing consistency and ability to close out matches. The Gators will look to keep the momentum alive before opening SEC play later this month.
