Florida Gators Volleyball
The Gators volleyball team celebrates a point in the team's victory over Sacramento State Thursday night. Photo courtesy of Emma Bissell.

Gators Volleyball Takes On Auburn to Open Conference Play

Big weekend ahead for Gators volleyball as they hit the road to open SEC play, starting tonight at 7:30 against the Auburn Tigers.

https://twitter.com/GatorsVB/status/1705220415247757503

Rankings

Florida enters conference play ranked third in the country with an impressive 8-1 record, while their counterpart, the Tigers, are ranked 24th in the recent AVCA poll rankings.

The Gators were in the midst of an eight-game winning streak until they dropped their first loss of the season to the Wisconsin Badgers 3-2 Sept. 17. After a few days off, Florida will look to roll back into the win column.

As for the Tigers, they have yet to face a ranked team and will therefore have a tough task presented to them tonight in the Orange & Blue. The Tigers have been scoring at a high clip to start off this young season, however, hitting .289 as a team.

Stucky’s Status

During Florida’s 8-1 start to the season, the team was getting a lot of productivity on the court from star sophomore setter Alexis Stucky, who led the team in assists.

Unfortunately, Stucky suffered a knee injury against Wisconsin, and an MRI revealed an ACL and MCL tear. After the disappointing news was released, Stucky shared a statement.

https://twitter.com/GatorsVB/status/1704916804303290426

On top of leading the team in assists, Stucky ended her season compiling 74 digs along with 30 kills. Without her, Florida will have to make adjustments and a roster configuration while altering its lineup to the best of its ability.

Matchups

Once the Gators conclude their matchup tonight against the Tigers, the team will return home to face the Georgia Bulldogs for another SEC battle; that game is set for Sunday at 7 p.m.

Florida and the Tigers are set to serve off at 7:30 p.m.

The Gators will be looking to put win number nine on the board.

https://twitter.com/GatorsVB/status/1705273125062025473

About bfreidkes1

Check Also

Dooley’s Back Nine: What Happened To Strength Of Schedule In Selecting Gator Bowl?

The Back Nine comes at you now that we have adjusted to no Gators football …