UF's defeat at the hands of Arkansas was only three weeks ago, but it's a fading memory for the Gators.
BWe lost to them the first time, but that?s because our team didn?t come in focused,C senior middle blocker Kisya Killingsworth said. BThey beat us, but what are you going to do? That loss has already come and gone.C
Though the players may not feel like they have to get revenge on the Razorbacks, their opportunity comes Sunday at 1 p.m. in the O?Connell Center.
If not for Arkansas? (4-10, 10-14 Southeastern Conference) win in Fayetteville on Oct. 12, UF (21-1, 14-1 SEC) would be undefeated.
BI think more important than [revenge] is maintaining our lead in the [standings],C UF coach Mary Wise said. BAnd a win will do that. Any loss brings us closer back to the pack, and we?re trying to win this outright.C
UF currently holds a two-and-a-half-match advantage over Alabama for the best record in the SEC.
The Gators have more time to prepare for Arkansas than they did back in October. Instead of only getting one day off between matches, UF had three full days of preparation and decided to take Thursday off to relax.
BThe weird schedule kind of bit us in the butt last time,C senior outside hitter Marcie Hampton said.
Since the loss, UF has played five matches and lost only one game. The Gators have swept their last four opponents.
Still, Wise and the Gators know better than to take the Razorbacks lightly.
BArkansas gives us matchup problems,C Wise said. BThe first time we played them, we did not do a very good job preparing the team.C
