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The Florida volleyball played its first home match of the year on Thursday and swept the Red Storm of St. John’s.
Florida started strong, defeating SJU in the first set 25-15.
The Gators dominated even more coming into the second set, taking the win 25-13.
The third and final set of the match proved to be tougher than the other two, as Alex Holston’s kill would give the Gators the last set 25-21.
After sweeping SJU, Florida’s right side Alex Holston said it was a team win.
“Our whole team being able to come together and get this win; I think it was a great start to our season,” she said.
Holston had nine kills in the match and a hitting percentage of .412.
Florida middle blocker Rhamat Alhassan, who had nine kills and six blocks with a .636 hitting percentage in the match, added the win was a good one.
“They come back, they’re swinging, and it’s just working hard and making sure we’re doing what we’re supposed to do,” she said.
Gator head coach Mary Wise was pleased with her team’s performance.
“We did some good things defensively. We would like to be able to get untracked defensively a little bit sooner in a match…can’t fault the offense in the first set.”
Next up for Florida an in state match up with Florida State at home on Sunday and Alhassan is ready.
“We do game-to-game. Tomorrow when we start practice is when we will focus on them.”
Wise says that the Seminoles are a tough team and share similar strengths.
“They’re a great blocking [team]. You have two teams that love to block and they have one of the best left side hitters in the country (referring to FSU OH Nicole Walch).”
Wise believes FSU has enough talent to win their conference and be successful throughout the entire season.
“They’re a very talented team. I can see them winning the ACC and making a long run in the NCAA Tournament.”
The Florida Gators will go head to head with the Florida State Seminoles this Sunday at 5:00 PM.
To listen to audio from the story, listen here:
Holston talks about winning home game
Alhassan talks about team doing what they need to do
