Florida Gators Volleyball
The Gators volleyball team celebrates a point in the team's victory over Sacramento State Thursday night. Photo courtesy of Emma Bissell.

Florida Volleyball Team Takes Five-Set Thriller Over Sacramento State

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.

https://twitter.com/GatorsVB/status/1699959141589287210?s=20

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.

https://twitter.com/GatorsVB/status/1699934948571128052?s=20

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.

https://twitter.com/GatorsVB/status/1699943332267647472?s=20

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.

https://twitter.com/GatorsVB/status/1699953584849498162?s=20

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.

About Jesse Simmons

Check Also

Santa Fe College’s Wiggs Reaches 800th Baseball Win

What’s next for Johnny Wiggs after being welcomed into the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of …