It took everything the Gators had, but they were able to keep their sweep streak alive Friday.
No. 2 Florida swept No. 15 Kentucky 25-20, 25-20, 25-20 for its eighth consecutive sweep.
“Every time we play Kentucky, there’s a big SEC rivalry there,” senior blocker Chloe Mann said. “So, excited we were able to stay focused the entire match and come out with a 3-0 sweep.”
The match may have been freshman right-side hitter Alex Holston’s most impressive of the season.
Holston had 13 kills on a team-leading .667 hitting percentage – including the match-winning kill.
It wasn’t just the hitting that Holston displayed. Her ability to keep points alive and contribute in all areas helped the Gators to a win.
With Florida clinging to a 10-7 lead in the second set, Kentucky got a weak shot off that barely cleared the net.
It looked as if the point was lost for Florida, until Holston made an acrobatic diving play to keep the ball alive. The Gators eventually won the point and won the set.
“Alex has come in so strong, especially as a true freshman,” Mann said. “She’s come in and done her role.”
Mann and senior setter Taylor Brauneis also helped put the Wildcats away.
Mann recorded 11 kills on a .647 hitting percentage. Brauneis was again instrumental with a team-high 39 assists.
The Gators will have a quick turnaround before facing Georgia at home at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Follow RJ Schaffer on Twitter @rjschaffer.
Alex Holston blocks the ball during Florida’s three-set win against Texas A&M on Oct. 4 in the O’Connell Center.
