Gator Volleyball Goes For Revenge Against Kentucky

The Gators (18-1, 10-1 SEC) are hoping to stay in the hunt for hopes of making it to the SEC Championship. Coming off their 18th win of the season, the Gators defeated Mississippi State in straight sets. Florida acquired 7 aces and 11 blocks in the match, along with a season-high hitting percentage.

Senior Rhamat Alhassan was recognized for the third time this year, being named the SEC co-Defensive Player of the week. Alhassan averaged 2.40 blocks per set and put up six blocks, two of them being solo in just two sets against Mississippi State. Alhassan has also broken the school record for career block assist (512).

What’s Next

The Gator Volleyball team finds themselves ranked at No. 4 for the third straight week in the AVCA Coaches Poll. The Gators travel to face No. 6 Kentucky for the fourth top-10 matchup in Southeastern Conference history. This also marks the first time in history that two SEC teams enter a match ranked in the top six.

Head coach Mary Wise says the team is excited for the challenge of this game. The players are working positions all over the court and predict that slowing Kentucky’s offense will be a challenge.

The two teams have a lot on the line going into the matchup and are expecting a large turnout, possibly the biggest one the Gators have played in front of. This doesn’t only add pressure on the team but adds excitement and is the reason you come to play for an SEC team.

With a win in Lexington the Gators would be the first ever team to have three wins over teams ranked sixth or higher in the RPI. The Gators realize the importance of this game and as Wise compares it to a boxing match, tensions are high.

The game will take place at 7 p.m. in Kentucky.

It's No. 6 @KentuckyVB hosting No. 4 @GatorsVB tonight at 7pm ET on @ESPNU! Spread the word! pic.twitter.com/1AR48geOY6

— AVCA (@AVCAVolleyball) November 1, 2017