Murphy triple-double keys UF at Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. – Sophomore right-side setter Kelly Murphy turned in her 11th career triple-double and fifth this season as No. 9 Florida earned a 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-21) victory over Auburn Friday evening.

Murphy had 11 kills on 16 swings with no errors for a .688 hitting efficiency. She also added 19 assists and 12 digs as the Gators (13-3, 7-2 SEC East) out-blocked Auburn 10.0-4.0 and out-dug the Tigers 43-36. The Gators visit Georgia Sunday afternoon at 1:30.

Four Florida players had three or more blocks. The Gators also had three players in 10 or more kills, led by sophomore Colleen Ward’s match-high 12 on .435 hitting for a match-high 12.5 points.

“I think blocking was a key stat in tonight’s match, but so too were our serving and passing,” Florida coach Mary Wise said. “When you are siding out at such a high efficiency as we were, good things happen. I thought that both Cassandra and KJ were both terrific blocking tonight.”

Murphy tied Northeastern’s Jessica Tkachuk for the NCAA lead in triple-doubles with five. She added three blocks and totaled 12.5 points. Junior outside hitter/right-side Callie Rivers had 10 kills on .643 hitting for 10.0 points. Over the past two matches, Rivers has combined for 19 total kills. Sophomore outside hitter Kristy Jaeckel chipped in seven kills.

“I thought Callie swung the ball with a lot of aggressiveness and confidence tonight,” Wise said. “As she gets more used to playing over on the right side, blocks will come. She hit at such a high efficiency tonight, it was hard to keep her off the court.”

Senior libero Elyse Cusack recorded 14 digs to give herself a career total of 1,883, third best all-time in SEC history. Sophomore middle blocker Cassandra Anderson had six blocks to lead Florida for the 13th time this season. Junior setter Brynja Rodgers had a match-high 22 assists as part of the team’s 6-2 offensive scheme.

Auburn (11-8, 3-5 SEC) was led by Sarah Bullock’s 10 kills on .304 hitting.