Gators Volleyball Takes Down FSU in 5-Set Thriller To Remain Undefeated

The classic state rivalry between Florida and Florida State was on full display Tuesday night in Tallahassee in the sport of volleyball.

No. 3 Florida improved to 8-0 with a clutch 3-2 win over FSU (5-4) to help set up a must-see match Sunday against No. 1 Wisconsin in the O’Connell Center. It was a tough and gritty match at Tully Gymnasium that was close until the end.

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Hot Start for the ‘Noles

Florida State came out firing from the start. The Seminoles were able to jump out to an early 4-0 lead in the first set that would allow them to take control of the game. The set ended in a 25-18 win for FSU.

Junior outside hitter Audrey Koenig played a major part in their first-set win. Koenig posted five kills in the set on a .625 hitting percentage. Her power coupled with the presence of the middle blockers Khori Louis and Kiari Robey created a strong middle that tore through the Gator defense.

Grit and Grind

The game was an ugly one at some points. Both sides were plagued with errors that proved important in the later stages. The Gators gave away 25 attack errors and 15 service errors in the game while the ‘Noles gave up 17 attack errors and 12 service errors.

Due to the sloppiness of the play, the second and third sets were hard fought. Florida was able to pull off a second-set win, 25-22, while Florida State took a close set three, 25-23, to go up 2-1. During the two-set period there were 25 tied scores.

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Florida Stars Take Charge

The fourth set was all Gators. Florida won the set 25-17 thanks to the effort of outside hitters Kennedy Martin and AC Fitzpatrick. The duo combined for 47 kills.

Fitzpatrick’s 22 kills set a career high for the second time this season, beating her 18 kills against Sacramento State last Thursday. The senior from Ocala has been a major element in the Gators’ success this season.

Sophomore setter Alexis Stucky also showed out as she normally does. Stucky recorded 50 assists on the night along with nine digs and two blocks. The nationally recognized setter continues to be the conductor in a lethal Florida offense.

.@anniecatefitz puts the ball away to tie it at 1⃣2⃣ in Set 3!#GoGators pic.twitter.com/dNOWWzWAU4

— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 12, 2023

A Thriller in Tallahassee

In a rivalry as thick as this one, anything can happen. Florida’s ranking meant nothing to a hungry Florida State team. This showed in a fifth set that kept everyone on the edge of their seat.

Florida kept the lead for most of the set, but the Seminoles were never far behind. There were five ties and two lead changes in the set alone. FSU won three challenges, including one that would’ve been the winning kill for the Gators. The Gators finally put the game to bed with a score of 16-14 after a kill from Sofia Victoria.

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A Test of Strength

Florida now gets ready to host the top-ranked Badgers starting at 3 p.m. Sunday (ESPN,  ESPN Gainesville 98.1FM/850). After beating three top-10 teams already this season, Wisconsin, which is 7-0 before its match Wednesday night against No. 24 Marquette, will prove to be another test for the Gators as they close the challenging non-conference schedule.