Florida sophomore right side Alex Holston posted a season-best .600 hitting efficiency with 16 kills to lead the seventh ranked Gator volleyball squad to a sweep of Alabama (25-13, 25-23, 25-20) in front of the Gator faithful Friday evening.
Holston added four digs, four blocks and an assist in UF’s 11th SEC sweep as the Gators improved to 19-3 overall, 13-0 in conference play with their 14th consecutive victory.
The Orange and Blue had impressive contributions all around in the win over the Crimson Tide (19-6, 7-4 SEC) as senior libero Holly Pole had a career-tying four of Florida’s seven service aces, including three in the first set while UF rattled off eight straight points under her serve.
Junior middle blocker Simone Antwi posted a season-tying six blocks to lead UF in roofs against Bama.
Alabama’s .169 hitting efficiency Friday marked the 16th match this season the Gators have held their opponent under a .197 hitting efficiency, including 12 of 13 conference contests. Florida has 11 SEC sweeps and has now won 21 straight sets dating back to October 15th at South Carolina.
Florida coach Mary Wise was impressed with the effort her squad had put forth prior to first serve.
“What we saw tonight all started long before we stepped on the court with the preparation, the attention to detail and the focus the players had in practice all week. The execution and effort were both on point tonight.”
Florida will return to the O’Dome for their second-to-last regular-season match against Auburn on Wednesday. The Gators and Tigers will meet for the second time this season after clashing in Auburn in both team’s SEC opener on September 26th. UF owns a 42-1 overall record against the Tigers, including an undefeated 19-0 mark at home in Gainesville. First serve Wednesday is slated for 7 p.m.
You can catch the match on ESPN 850 WRUF.
For post-match comments from coach Wise and Holly Pole, click below:
Wise on how the team continue’s to grow