University of Florida’s AC Fitzpatrick (0) and Kennedy Martin (18) celebrate a successful point during the Gators’ match against Florida Gulf Coast University at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla., on Thursday, Nov 30, 2023. (Caleb Ross/WRUF)

Florida Volleyball Finishes Weekend With Michigan State Sweep

Noah White September 1, 2024 Feature Sports News, Gators Volleyball, Volleyball 617 Views

With the weekend in Colorado coming to a close, the Florida women’s volleyball team finished undefeated during the road trip, besting Michigan State 3-0 in Fort Collins on Sunday.

Florida won all three games in the Rocky Mountain State, beating Colorado State 3-1 on Friday and Northern Colorado 3-1 on Saturday.

A Consistent Performance

After two matches to begin the season that saw the Gators struggle at times to put teams away, they showed some consistency Sunday.

The match began with a kill from outside hitter Isabel Martin, picking up where she left off in her 13-kill performance Saturday. The first set continued back-and-forth, but late in the set, Michigan State (1-2) held a threatening lead. That’s when it became the AC Fitzpatrick show.

Down 23-21, freshman setter Taylor Parks turned to Fitzpatrick, the fifth-year outside hitter, to close the set. Fitzpatrick performed, getting three kills in the final five points, including the lead-taking score. Florida was able to pull out the first set, 26-24.

The second set started similar to the first, with the Spartans and Gators exchanging points. This round saw the Gators pull away a little earlier.

Florida separated in the middle of the set, going on a 5-1 run to create a 17-11 lead. Defensive specialists Emily Canaan and Trinity Adams each provided aces during this run, along with strong defensive play in place of Fitzpatrick and Alec Rothe in the back row.

Florida won the set 25-18, entering the third set with momentum. After a slow start, Florida rattled off a 9-2 run that never gave Michigan State the chance to come back. Florida won the final set over the Big Ten foe 25-17 on a middle blocker Amaya Thomas kill.

Martin for Martin

Florida sophomore opposite hitter Kennedy Martin has been a scratch from coach Mary Wise‘s lineup in the last two matches after going down with an injury against Colorado State on Friday. Martin was a preseason All-SEC selection and one of Florida’s most highly touted returning players.

In place of Kennedy Martin, Florida senior outside hitters Isabel Martin and Fitzpatrick have had to step up. On Sunday afternoon, Isabel Martin led the way with 16 kills, her second match in a row in which she led the Gators in kills. Fitzpatrick chipped in with 12 kills and five digs.

Playing in place of Martin has been freshman middle blocker Alec Rothe. She’s made the transition to the opposite hitter position and has fit well, recording eight kills against Michigan State, the third most on Florida.

Up Next

Florida returns to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center this week, facing South Florida at 7 p.m. Friday as part of the Florida Invitational.

Tags

About Noah White

I'm a sophomore at the University of Florida, majoring in journalism and public relations. I enjoy playing soccer and volleyball with friends, watching movies with my girlfriend and, of course, writing. I also know more about Liberty League women's soccer than you do.

Check Also

Gators Volleyball Grabs Ninth Consecutive Win

Gators eat Tigers. Or at least that’s what the No. 20 Florida’s volleyball team did …

© 2024 WRUF / Division of Multimedia Properties