When the Southeastern Conference all-time digs leader, Elyse Cusack, graduated and Colleen Ward and Brynja Rodgers decided to transfer because of personal reasons, depth was thought to be a problem heading into this season.
Sand volleyball at the college level almost never made it to the opening serve.
Two years ago, Mary Wise couldn’t believe her eyes.
The Gators had the chance to end two records on Friday.
This season, Florida’s unprecedented 18-year streak of conference dominance was snapped. On Friday, it will try to return the favor and end another team’s historic run.
For the last week, the Gators have had to hold it in.
For the last week, the Gators have had to hold it in.
Not much has changed in the last two years.
The Gators’ season hit an all-time low as they traveled to face Kentucky on Nov. 22.
After being selected to the NCAA Tournament field for the 19th consecutive season, the Gators should be accustomed to the postseason by now – but that isn’t the case.
No. 15 UF will face College of Charleston on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Boasting a taller starting lineup than the Gators, St. John’s presented a post-game threat that took a toll and manifested itself in a 61-47 win over UF on Friday in U.S. Century Bank Arena in Miami.
Although this is the first Gators team under coach Mary Wise to not win the conference, that won’t be the only way she remembers it.
As they headed into the final weekend of the season in 2008 the Gators’ focus was on the conference championship, but this year things are different.
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.
Solutions by The State News
