Written by: Shauni Lynch
The Florida Gators remained undefeated in conference play as they added two more wins and two more sweeps to their record, improving to 16-3, 10-0 SEC. After defeating Missouri on Friday, Oct. 24, (25-17, 25-19, 25-13), the Gators extended their winning streak to 11 on Sunday after dominating Mississippi State (25-9, 25-14, 25-16). These wins mark Florida’s eighth SEC sweep this season and third consecutive sweep.
Freshman middle Rhamat Alhassan led the Gators in the match against the Tigers with 17.5 points, 14 kills, a .591 hitting efficiency, one serving ace, and a powerful five blocks. Senior libero Holly Pole had 13 digs while junior outside hitters Gabby Mallette and Živa Recek each had 11 kills.
The Gators held the Tigers to a .168 hitting efficiency. Florida also had 0 reception errors, solidifying a well-played match by the offense and the back row.
Senior Taylor Unroe came out ready to play against Mississippi State with 14 digs, her second highest this season. Junior middle Simone Antwi hit a .875, the highest of the game and her career-best. The team had a total of eight serving aces and seven blocks.
Florida was consistent throughout the game and limited the Bulldogs to only nine points in the first set, a 16-point margin win and the lowest point total for a Gator opponent this season. The Gators not only limited Mississippi State to points, but also forced them to operate at a negative hitting efficiency with a -0.12. That makes 13 matches where the Gators have held an opponent under a .197.
With the two victories this past weekend, No. 8 Florida looks to continue their streaks as they take flight to Athens in a match against the Bulldogs on Wednesday at 7 p.m. These two previously met two weeks ago in Gainesville, where the Gators came out on top with a sweep. The match will be broadcast live on the SEC Network.