Gator Country

Junior libero Elyse Cusack receives a serve during the third game on the Orange & Blue Scrimmage on Sunday at the O'Connell Center / Gator Country photo by Tim Casey

Mary Wise has won 17 consecutive Southeastern Conference championships. With a young team in 2008, she will have to rely on her top-rated recruiting class to aid a team that consists of only four upperclassmen.

UF volleyball fans got a preview of what’s to come in 2008 on Sunday at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center during the team’s annual Fan Day and Orange & Blue scrimmage.

Wise and the team signed posters for fans, then played in an inter-squad scrimmage of 3 game.

The Blue team dominated the first two games, then pulled out a close game in the third game behind strong play from senior Kelsey Bowers, sophomores Elyse Cusack and Callie Rivers and freshman Kelly Murphy and Colleen Ward. redshirt freshman Kristy Jaeckel played very well after sitting out the 2007 season.

The White team got impressive play from freshmen Cassandra Anderson and Betsy Smith, while sophomore Erin Fleming showed why she will be a major contributor this year.

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers was there to watch his daughter play. He say with several members of the UF men’s basketball team. Every player except Ray Shipman and Dan Werner were present to watch the volleyball scrimmage.

Photo Gallery: Volleyball Fan Day, Orange & Blue Scrimmage, 8/24/08

Photo Gallery: Ocala Tip-Off Club Banquet, 8/18/08

About the author

Tim Casey

Tim Casey covered the 2007 BCS Championship Game, 2007 Final Four, 2005 College World Series and 2008 Women's College World Series. He’s had photos published in Sporting News magazine, GQ magazine, SI.com, ESPN.com and nearly every newspaper in the state of Florida. Now he's home as Gator Country's Photography Editor.

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