Florida eliminated from SEC volleyball title race
By ANTHONY CHIANG | Nov. 22, 2009The Gators will not win the Southeastern Conference for the first time in 19 years, but on Sunday, Florida prevented Kentucky from claiming a share of the title.
The Gators will not win the Southeastern Conference for the first time in 19 years, but on Sunday, Florida prevented Kentucky from claiming a share of the title.
On Friday, it became official.
This weekend could prove to be historic for the Gators, just not in a way they may want.
In one of their biggest matches of the season, a usual strength for the Gators turned into a weakness.
As the final kill fell on the Gators’ side of the net, so did their dreams of winning a 19th consecutive conference title.
As the final kill fell on the Gators’ side of the net, so did their dreams of winning a 19th consecutive conference title.
After the Florida was swept by LSU on Oct. 11, coach Mary Wise presented the Gators with two options.
There is no secret to senior libero Elyse Cusack’s success.
Early in the season it was a weakness, but now attack errors, or lack thereof, have become a huge reason for the Gators' success.
The Gators have come a long way.
As they suit up for a match, opposite hitters Lauren Bledsoe and Callie Rivers don't know what to expect any more.
More times than not, there is someone else to thank for one's success.
Last season Kelly Murphy broke the school record for most triple-doubles in a career, this season she broke the school record for most triple-doubles in one weekend.
After running out to a 22-19 lead in the third set, the Gators allowed the Crimson Tide back into the match as the set went back and forth until sophomore outside hitter Kristy Jaeckel knocked down three kills to help No. 10 Florida (17-3, 11-2 Southeastern Conference) take charge and eventually win the set 33-31.
After 18 years of conference dominance, coach Mary Wise has seen many successful graduating classes pass through Florida.
As the NBA season begins, the Gators will have two fewer fans in attendance at the O'Connell Center.
After falling two games behind the Southeastern Conference lead, Florida knew it had to win all of its remaining matches to get back in the race.
Since showing their imperfections against LSU, the Gators have been flawless.
As they look up in the conference standings, the Gators can't help but like the position they are in.
After playing one of the toughest nonconference schedules in school history this season, the Gators decided it wasn't quite hard enough.