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Big weekend ahead for Gators volleyball as they hit the road to open SEC play, starting tonight at 7:30 against the Auburn Tigers.
Conference play starts here.
🆚 No. 24 Auburn
📍 Auburn, Ala.
⏰ 7:30 p.m. EST
💻 https://t.co/gCWKPKp1WM
📈 https://t.co/1RKPROSEli#GoGators pic.twitter.com/NAZup42Vds— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 22, 2023
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.
From the heart of Alexis Stucky 🧡💙
Absolutely devastated to share that I have suffered a season ending ACL and MCL tear. So heartbroken that I won’t get another chance to play with this group. These seniors are special! The love this team and staff has for each other is… pic.twitter.com/pjuqJVsdYV
— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 21, 2023
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.
Locked in for SEC play 🔒 pic.twitter.com/APbjNyqNUy
— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 22, 2023
