When Florida swept Duke in three straight sets to capture the Campus USA Credit Union Invite on Sunday, they walked away with more than a trophy.
They also found a new star.
Florida freshman Alex Holston finished the tournament with the best killing percentage on an opening weekend for a freshman in Florida history at .436.
“She’s been unbelievable,” junior defensive specialist Holly Pole said. “To set a record in her first weekend as a freshman is just awesome. She’s such a hard worker, and I love having her on the team.”
Even though the program has seen such stars as Chloe Mann, Kelly Murphy and Aury Cruz, Holston now holds the record.
She could prove to be the spark the Gators need to finally make their way back to the Final Four, a feat UF has not accomplished since 2003.
Last season, Florida averaged 14.3 kills per game — almost two fewer than Oregon’s 16, which led the nation at 16.
Those two kills could potentially be the difference between UF repeating last season’s Sweet 16 appearance or advancing deeper in the tournament.
Despite the fact that Holston was playing in the first three collegiate games of her career, she recorded 20 kills on the weekend.
“We hope [her role] will continue to grow in her point production,” coach Mary Wise said. “Right now, the way she can produce points is with her offense but also with her blocking.”
Florida played 10 sets during the weekend. Holston was in each. Her role may increase over the course of the season if she can thrive playing opposite Mann.
“Alex has helped a lot,” sophomore outside hitter Gabby Mallette said.
“She’s really great. I’m really impressed with how she’s been playing as a freshman, and she’s fearless and I think we really need that mentality on the court.”
Although Florida was ranked fourth in the nation last season in hitting percentage, the team will have to replace seniors Tangerine Wiggs and Betsy Smith.
If Holston can continue or improve her current pace, she could prove to be as valuable as Mann.
“She’s just getting better each week,” Wise said.
“She’s a very smooth, steady player in that I don’t think she’ll ever be that high flash. It’s not her personality, but what she will be is a very dependable point scorer for us.”
The highest-ranked Florida player in kills last season was Ziva Recek, who finished 57th in the nation by averaging four kills per set. Having Holston as another offensive threat would help in cutting down the number of attacks Recek takes per game.
In UF’s match against LIU-Brooklyn, the only match in which Florida lost a set, Recek attempted 40 attacks by herself. The next highest on the team was Chloe Mann at 22.
Relying on Recek too much could result in injuries during crucial parts of the season when the Gators will need her.
Having Holston progress quickly could not only keep Recek injury-free but also give the Gators another threat on the court.
Follow RJ Schaffer on Twitter @rjschaffer.
Alex Holston reaches to hit the ball during Florida’s 3-0 win against New Orleans on Friday in the O’Connell Center.
