Another triple-double for Murphy

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Freshman Florida right-side/setter Kelly Murphy became the first player in school history to record back-to-back triple-doubles as she finished with 13 kills, 17 assists and a career-high-tying 15 digs Saturday evening to lead the No. 14 Gators to a 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-21) victory over UNLV.

The Gators (25-3), who have now won 25 or more matches in each of their last 18 seasons, put together one of their most balanced offensive performances of the season as four players tallied seven or more kills and each of the 13 players who dressed for the match saw action in at least one set.

“Tonight’s match was a win in which we got production out of everyone,” Florida coach Mary Wise said. “The fact we had five players at 20-plus swings shows that we gave ourselves a lot of options tonight. I thought we showed great patience against one of the finest defensive teams we have faced all year.”

Murphy has recorded a record-setting six triple-doubles in just 28 matches into her collegiate career after she broke former All-America setter Angie McGinnis’ record of four career triple-doubles on Wednesday at South Carolina. She also finished with five blocks and a team-leading 15.5 points against the Rebels.

Redshirt freshman outside hitter Kristy Jaeckel finished with eight kills on .259 hitting, while freshman middle blocker Cassandra Anderson added eight kills on .350 hitting with five blocks. Sophomore middle blocker/right-side Lauren Bledsoe tallied seven kills on .636 hitting.

Junior libero Elyse Cusack became the first player in school history to reach the 1,600-dig plateau for her career as she posted a team-leading 16 digs in the match to increase her career total to 1,600. Freshman setter Cindy Bathelt had a match-high 20 assists to go along with five digs and two service aces.

Florida returns to Gainesville to await the NCAA tournament selection announcement Sunday evening at 10 p.m.