Volleyball Dominates in First Match of Sunshine Invitational

The No. 16 Gators volleyball team kicked off the first matchup of the Sunshine Invitational against the Georgia Southern Eagles Friday morning. Following a disappointing matchup against No. 4 Minnesota, the Gators swept the Eagles in straight sets.

The Gators were led by Sofia Victoria on the offensive front, who put 12 kills on the board. Marina Markova had nine kills of her own, Bre Kelley had five, Rhett Robinson had four and Alexis Stucky and Nnedi Okammor each tallied three. Additionally, Stucky put up 25 assists in the three sets, the most of the morning.

Set One

The early morning start did not affect the Gators, pulling ahead to 5-1 early in the set. Florida continued to dominate, forcing the Eagles to take their first timeout at the 10-3 mark. Victoria and Markova each recorded a team-high four kills during the first set, and Kelley registered two.

Set Two

The beginning of the second set saw the Gators and Eagles in a tight contest, but the Gators managed to pull away. Stucky and Markova each had three kills, while Kelley and Victoria tossed in two each.

Stucky STICKS IT 😎

SET 2 | UF 20, GSU 15 #GoGators pic.twitter.com/1eUY8x9TeI

— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 9, 2022

Set Three

The Eagles started the third set with the advantage, but the Gators quickly recovered with a five point run to take the lead. They kept that lead throughout the entire set, allowing them to win 25-13, the biggest margin of victory of the morning. Victoria finished the frame with five kills, and Markova and Nnedi Okammor each added two.

2 KILLS for MARKOVA 👀

SET 3 | UF 10, GSU 8#GoGators pic.twitter.com/0uFajdq6PQ

— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 9, 2022

Up Next

The team faces off against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Friday night at 7:30 p.m., and will close out the Invitational Saturday against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams at 4 p.m. Both matches can be streamed on SEC Network +.