After a 3-1 loss against the Bulldogs ended their 2024 season, the Gators returned to Athens, Georgia, with revenge on the brain, and delivered.
In the second match of its road swing, Florida (13-7, 8-3 SEC) topped Georgia (14-7, 6-5 SEC) Friday and recorded its second consecutive SEC sweep at Stegeman Coliseum. After a close set one, the Gators ran away with the match and refused to let the Bulldogs back in attacking range, fending off a UGA win that would have tied the pair among the Southeastern Conference standings.
Before this road stint, the Gators had only recorded two sweeps across their first 18 matches, the lowest in program history. However, against the Bulldogs, Florida led all throughout set two and showed its dominance across the board.
The Gators topped Georgia in efficiency and blocking. While usually a strong blocking team, the Bulldogs struggled to stop Florida’s attacking efforts and swung at a .165 attacking percentage.
Junior outside hitter Bianna Muoneke was the force Florida was tasked with containing. She ranks 10th in the SEC in kills per set and points per set and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week earlier this season.
She led the Bulldogs with 13 kills but was matched by Florida’s offensive force of the night: Jaela Auguste.
For the first time this season, the reigning SEC Freshman of the Year led the Gators in kills. The sophomore middle blocker added 14 kills on 18 attempts, three aces and two blocks to lead UF to the win.
Auguste was not the only Gator to contribute an impressive serving performance. Freshman opposite hitter Milica Vidacic added three consecutive service aces in set two and redshirt junior setter Alexis Stucky and redshirt freshman outside Kira Hutson each added another. The trio also added two kills to its stat line.
Florida found its rhythm behind the line in Athens — a piece of its game it has been searching for all season. While they surrendered 11 service errors, one of their worst this season, the Gators also had a high of eight service aces to Georgia's two. Their ability to execute behind the line helped them to maintain their momentum and remain consistent.
Florida found success involving its middles with sophomore middle blocker Alec Rothe, who added eight kills to Auguste’s efforts from the center. She followed close behind redshirt sophomore outside Jordyn Byrd’s nine kills and led the team defensively at the net with four blocks.
Stucky’s ability to set the middle comes largely due to the consistency and accuracy in the back row. Hutson led the efforts in the back row, adding nine digs to the team’s 37. The freshman-senior duo of Lily Hayes and Emily Canaan each added eight. The three have been keys to the success of the back row and the 69.4% passing percentage Florida boasted against the Bulldogs.
Florida hopes to continue its hot streak and finish out its three-match road-swing strong against the South Carolina Gamecocks (8-13, 2-9 SEC) at 1 p.m. Sunday in Columbia at the Carolina Volleyball Center.
Contact Ava DiCecca at adicecca@alligator.org. Follow her on X @avadicecca24.
Ava is a sophomore sports journalism student and the volleyball beat reporter for fall 2025. She enjoys playing basketball and volleyball in her free time and going on beach trips with friends. She has been a Boston sports fan all her life (Brad Marchand we miss you).
