Gator Volleyball Opens SEC Play With Sweep of Auburn

Coming off arguably the toughest non-conference schedule, the 10th ranked Gators volleyball team (7-3, 1-0 SEC) had no issues against the Auburn Tigers (8-6, 0-1 SEC), taking them in straight sets (25-14, 25-19, 25-19) as they opened SEC play Friday.

Led by the attack of Alex Holston (15 kills), the Orange and Blue were able to post a .340 hitting clip while holding the Tigers to a .096 percentage. With Holston’s . 464 clip, and freshman Rhamat Alhassan’s .600 (along with 10 kills), the Gators cruised through the Tigers. Junior setter Mackenzie Dagostino provided 36 assists, while senior libero Holly Pole had 16 digs.

Head coach Mary Wise praised the team’s strong performance and the leadership of Pole.

“When a team hits .340 on the road, the offense will get a lot of recognition, as it should, but so much of the match tonight had to do with our back court play, starting from the very first rally of the match. Holly Pole, each night out, just gets better and better. She made 16 digs tonight, but it felt like she was involved in so many more plays than just that.”

The Gators now return home Sunday as they welcome the Ole Miss Rebels (14-0) to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center for their conference home opener.

The Gators have the all-time series lead over the Rebels, with a 43-3 record. The last time they met, the Gators swept the Rebels in Oxford. Under head coach Wise, Florida has run its consecutive win streak to 37 matches against the Rebels.

You can catch that match on ESPN 850 WRUF.

For postgame comments from coach Mary Wise, click here:

Wise talks about the play of Holly Pole

Wise on Alex Holston’s performance

Wise on Mackenzie Dagostino’s performance

Wise talks about the effects Rhamat Alhassan has on matches