Florida Volleyball Welcomes in St. Johns for Home Opener

After starting the season with seven straight games on the road, the fifth ranked Florida  volleyball team will finally return to the O’Connell Center Thursday night to take on the St. John’s Red Storm.

The Gators (6-1) head into the match coming off of a trip to Honolulu, where they competed in the Outrigger Resorts Volleyball Challenge. Florida went 2-1 in three games at the Challenge, with wins over Eastern Washington and San Diego State sandwiched between a loss to host Hawaii. Junior right side hitter Alex Holston says the loss to Hawaii showed the Gators need to improve at the net defensively.

“We need to work on our blocking a little more,” Holston said. “Just like our out-of-system blocks, I think that’s just something we can work on to better our defense.”

With such an unusual amount of time before their home opener, the Gators are looking forward to being back in the friendly confines of the O Dome. Florida head coach Mary Wise believes returning home will make things easier on the court for her Gators.

“I think wearing Florida on the back you’re going to get everyone’s best shot,” Wise said. “Well, magnify that when you’re on the road. I think our team is really excited to play in front of the Gator fans.”

St. John’s (9-3) come into Thursday’s match winners of eight of their last nine games. Wise says the Red Storm always present different looks and matchups.

“St. John’s has always used lots of different lineups,” Wise said. “Great depth in their team.”

First serve tonight is set for 7. Coverage begins at 6:50 on ESPN Gainesville 95.3.

Click below to listen to audio from Holston and Wise:

Holston on Improvements

Wise on Returning Home

Wise on St. John’s