Gator Volleyball Hits Road For Tournament

The Florida Gator volleyball team is ranked fourth in the country after beginning its season last week with two victories on the road against James Madison and American University. This weekend the Orange and Blue will face their toughest opponents yet when they enter the VERT Challenge Tournament in Austin, Texas. The Gators will face off against No. 11 Oregon at 4 pm today and No. 3 Texas on Saturday at 3 pm. The Oregon Ducks have started their season 5-0, but Florida coach Mary Wise and the Gators will look to break that streak with the help of 6’4″ sophomore middle Rhamat Alhassan. Alhassan recently set a new school record

for block assists when she tallied 14 against James Madison University, earning her SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors. “She’s always working the hardest, trying to get better and just worrying about things she can focus on.” junior Alex Holston said of Alhassan. “You can see she’s just so focused and motivated.” The defending SEC Champs are experienced, with 12 letterwinners returning from last season, including four All-Americans and five seniors. However. Wise made sure to give Oregon credit for their early season success. “They run a very fast offense, incredibly gifted pin-hitters, well-coached team…”she said. After Oregon, the Gators will renew their rivalry with Texas on Saturday after going 1-1 against them last season. In the most recent game against Texas, Alex Holston had 29 kills in the win and current senior Mackenzie Dagostino recorded a double-double with 57 assists and 16 digs. The road trip doesn’t stop in Texas; after this weekend’s tournament the Gators will make their way to Honolulu to face off against No. 17 Hawaii. Sound from this story can be found below: Holston praises Alhassan Wise previews Oregon