With the score tied at 21 in the second set, it appeared that Florida could be in for a battle with Tennessee.
The Volunteers opened the set on a 12-5 run after the Gators won the first set.
But a controversial attack error by Tennessee junior middle blocker Shealyn Kolosky sparked a six-point run for Florida, which won the set and cruised to a sweep.
“We got the kill by Alex (Holston) and then the attack error came, but there were two back-to-back digs by Taylor (Unroe) that were the separator in the second set,” coach Mary Wise said
The No. 5 Gators improved their record to 20-2 (9-1 SEC) with a three-set victory against the Volunteers (25-13, 25-21, 25-15) on Sunday.
Florida hit .500 with only three errors to quickly take the first set, but Tennessee responded with a second-set rally.
The Gators struggled — hitting nearly .200 lower than the first set — allowing the Volunteers to gain momentum. Senior outside hitter Whitney Heeres led the charge with four kills in the set.
“I thought the second set was pretty good volleyball by both teams,” Wise said. “I think we got better from that.”
Florida’s defense continued to be a vital part of its success. UF held UT to a .108 hitting percentage after shutting down Auburn on Friday.
The middle blockers and defensive specialists showed off their ability, holding every Tennessee player to a hitting percentage of .300 or less. Two players hit in the negatives.
After failing to win the second set, the Volunteers hit .030 for the rest of the match.
“We kind of let off the gas pedal a little bit in the second set,” Unroe said. “They blocked some balls, and it felt like we were coasting a little bit.”
Outside hitter Ziva Recek helped steady Florida’s offensive attack and made sure there would be no upset in Gainesville.
The sophomore has struggled to make the same type of impact she had during her freshman year, but she made her presence known against the Volunteers.
Recek led the team with 14 kills and had a hitting percentage of .323. She also notched six digs and committed just four attack errors.
“It always helps us when Ziva plays well,” Unroe said. “When she’s on, it makes it a lot easier. We don’t have to force as many balls out of system to Alex (Holston) or the outside.”
The Gators also received key contributions from sophomore outside hitter Gabby Mallette, who was instrumental on offense and defense.
She helped keep several rallies alive, wearing down a Tennessee defense that entered the match ranked second in the nation in digs per set (18.9) in the process.
Mallette led the team in hitting percentage (.444) and tied for second with nine kills during the match.
“They’re a team that historically plays very well here in the O’Dome,” Wise said.
“It wasn’t until we got into some good serving runs and got the ball away from their middles that allowed us to run points.”
Follow RJ Schaffer on Twitter @rjschaffer.
Ziva Recek reaches for the ball during Florida’s three-set victory against Tennessee on Oct. 27 in the O’Connell Center.
