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Thursday, the No. 3 Florida volleyball team survived a hard-fought five-set win over Sacramento State in the first day of the Gators Invitational.
Starting the weekend off with a W💪#GoGators pic.twitter.com/ror2Bl3IRa
— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 8, 2023
Punch for Punch
The Gators (5-0) were tested by the Hornets (5-3) early in the match, allowing Sacramento State to take advantage of a slow start by Florida. With timely blocks and uncharacteristic serving errors by the Gators, the Hornets escaped with a surprising 25-23 win.
Though, the Gators stormed back with a 25-17 win in the second set. A combination of senior outside hitter AC Fitzpatrick and 6-foot-6 freshman standout Kennedy Martin allowed Florida to bounce back.
Kennedy Martin with the back row KILL!
📺https://t.co/0C0O5q2K7g#GoGators pic.twitter.com/7xiJvy8OUN
— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 7, 2023
Fitzpatrick came off the bench with a mission, collecting six kills in the second set to finish with a career-high 18 kills on the night.
Additionally, Martin shifted the momentum for the Gators with a back row kill mid set. Overall, Martin recorded 17 kills on the night. This carried into the third set with a 7-0 run as the Gators settled to their familiar play with a 25-9 win in the third set.
One more to go 💪#GoGators pic.twitter.com/V3Jex6VV5N
— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 8, 2023
However, the fourth set brought the drama of the night with a whopping 15 ties and five lead changes through the bulk of the set.
Key service aces by sophomore setter Alexis Stucky and a valiant effort in back-to-back plays from senior libero Ellie McKissock would keep the Gators in reach.
Sacramento State stood up with their backs against the wall, stringing together a run of kills from outside hitters Bridgette Smith (15) and Ellie Tisko (12). Moreover, the duo combined for 27 kills and the Hornets would take the fourth set 25-21.
Only Gators Get Out Alive
Set five was all chomp and no sting.
The Gators stretched out a 7-0 lead backed by McKissock’s pinpoint serving. Anna Dixon sealed the match with a service ace to take the set 15-6.
.@Elljmck ace to give the Gators a 6-0 lead in the fifth 💥#GoGators pic.twitter.com/HP3kKKKe0M
— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) September 8, 2023
Up Next
The Gators continue on through the Gators Invitational Friday. The team faces Clemson at 7 p.m. and Winthrop on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the O’Connell Center.
