The 13th ranked Gator volleyball team returns home to the O’Connell Center to take on the Missouri Tigers in SEC play Friday night. Florida (8-2, 2-0 SEC) is coming off a five set win against Arkansas and a sweep over Kentucky last weekend. Gator head coach Mary Wise says experience could be a factor for tonights game.
Missouri (10-2,2-0 SEC) is also undefeated in league play and is looking to avengea loss to the Gators in the first round of the NCAA tournment last year. This will be the second time that Florida and Missouri face off against each other. While they are not familar foes yet, the Gators and middle blocker Chloe Mann are excited to welcome Missouri to the SEC.
After making their first Elite Eight appearance last year since 2005, the Gators have great upside heading into the season. With key wins coming against SEC opponents Arkansas and Kentucky, middle blocker Betsy smith expects the team to gain confidence from each win.
While Florida is favored to win, Missouri brings an all around attack that could trouble Florida if it isn’t focused. Missouri junior Lisa Henning leads the Tigers attack, averaging 4.8 kills per set and is number five among active kill leaders in the SEC with 973. Wise says playing good defense is key and the Gators need to utilize their blocks to win the match.
Catch all the action from the O’ Dome on Country 103-7 The Gator starting tonight at 6:50pm.
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