Gators Volleyball Finishes Sunshine Invitational Undefeated

The Gators volleyball team concluded the Sunshine Invitational on Saturday with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-20) win over Virginia Commonwealth. 

The No. 16 Gators, who finished the tournament undefeated after sweeping Georgia Southern and Florida Gulf Coast on Friday, now stand at 6-2 on the season.

Florida dominated its weekend invitational for the second time this season after winning the Gators Invitational on Aug. 26-27. 

Sweeping the Rams

In the opening set, VCU kept up with Florida’s offense for most of the frame. The Rams stayed within two points of the Gators before tying the score at 14. Following a media timeout, Florida created some breathing space with an 11-3 run to take the first set. The Gators closed out on a hot streak thanks to two kills: One from sophomore middle blocker Bre Kelley and the other from junior outside hitter AC Fitzpatrick.

The second set was a reflection of the first one. 

Florida dominated the second half of the middle set after a fast 14-14 start. The Gators jumped off to another 11-3 run to overpower the VCU defense. Both teams went back-and-forth in the set with five lead changes before the Gators distanced themselves. 

In the final piece, VCU challenged the Gators with 12 tie scores and five lead changes, but the team proved dominant in the second half of the set. Florida totaled 12 kills and three service aces during that frame to clinch the win.  

Offensively, Fitzpatrick led the charge with 10 kills, and freshman setter Alexis Stucky contributed with 27 assists. On defense, junior libero Elli McKissock recorded 16 digs to reach 109 on the season. 

https://twitter.com/GatorsVB/status/1568714334465052673

What’s Next for the Orange and Blue?

The Gators (6-2) will return to Exatech Arena on Tuesday to face in-state rival Florida State (7-2) at 4 p.m. Although FSU took the last matchup, 3-1, on Sep. 15, 2021, the Gators hold an all-time 43-19 advantage over the Seminoles.

After its rivalry game, Florida will face No. 6 Wisconsin on Friday before starting Southeastern conference play against Alabama on Sept. 21.

On the other hand, FSU will look to bounce back after losing 3-2 to No. 17 Creighton on Friday. The Seminoles will start their conference schedule against Notre Dame on Sept. 23.

https://twitter.com/FSU_Volleyball/status/1568401179855704066