Mary Wise
Gators Volleyball head coach Mary Wise celebrates after winning in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2022. (Photo by Hannah White/UAA Communications)

No. 3 Florida Volleyball Team Gears Up to Face No.1 Wisconsin

Florida volleyball remained undefeated after beating Florida State this past Tuesday. The five-set rivalry game proved that the Gators can turn on the heat. Notably, AC Fitzpatrick had a standout performance and even set a career high of 22 kills.

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A Season Unlike Any Other

This season so far has been one that will go down in history.

The team camaraderie is evident through the way the women play together and support each other both on the court and from the bench. This goes to show, specifically through the personal choice made by graduate student Anna Dixon to step into a whole new position, that this team is special. The outside hitter volunteered to take on an entire new position of middle blocker.

“What she is doing is one of the most selfless acts I have witnessed in all of my years of coaching,” head coach Mary Wise said.

Battle to Keep the Undefeated Title

This matchup will be the Gators’ biggest game so far this season. Wisconsin is ranked #1 and is also undefeated.

One of the strengths that comes with Wisconsin is the players’ length.

With great height and long arms, many players on this team have been able to find success because of that. This is something that the Gators will be faced with on Sunday. Luckily for the Orange & Blue, Kennedy Martin also has that tall figure — standing at 6’6″. She has also been a standout player and has made a name for herself early in her freshman year.

Coach Wise says that the outcome on Sunday will only help the team come rest of the season.

AC Fitzpatrick describes the coming game as a “huge moment” for the team. She said that they are excited and have been in preparation both mentally and physically.

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Don’t Miss it

This game will be one to watch, as Wisconsin has beat three top-ten teams already this season and both teams looking to remain undefeated.

It’ll begin at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon and is the first match to air on ESPN so far this season.

About Emma Pastis

Emma Pastis is an Orlando, FL native who is a second-year journalism student at the University of Florida.

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