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The Florida Gator volleyball team took down the LSU Tigers 3-1 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16) to earn their 10th victory in SEC play. The win also moves the fifth ranked Gators to 21-2 on the season.
Florida’s frontline was active throughout the match, with four Gators recording double digit kills. Chloe Mann led the team with 14, while Ziva Recek, Alex Holston, and Simone Antwi added 13, 13, and 12, respectively. Taylor Brauneis led the team in assists, racking up 53 against the Tigers. Gator coach Mary Wise spoke about the success of Brauneis and the offense.
“Our back row play was terrific, and we relied on middle and right sides to carry us offensively,” she said. “Taylor did such a good job getting them the ball and our middles were elite tonight.”
Wise was also pleased with her team’s defense against the Tigers. Florida hit the floor for 82 digs in the match, which was 14 more than LSU tallied.
“Our defense was stellar,” Wise said. “In terms of the play of Taylor and Nikki with her career high, Taylor matches a season high with her digs. We out-dug an LSU team that’s known for their defense.”
Despite earning a comfortable win, Wise came out of the match impressed by the Tigers. Specifically, she praised LSU freshman Briana Holman.
“What a great player Holman is; she didn’t even play the first set and comes in and in three sets gets 12 kills and six blocks. She is going to be tough for the next three and a half more years,” Wise added.
The Gators will be back on the court Sunday when they take on the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station with coverage beginning at 1:20 on ESPN 850 WRUF.
To hear coach Wise’s comments, click below.
