After securing at least a share of the Southeastern Conference title last weekend, the Florida volleyball team did not waste any time in winning the title outright.
The No. 1 Gators (25-1, 18-0) defeated Arkansas (13-16, 7-11) 3-1 (25-17, 25-27, 25-11, 25-20) Friday in Fayetteville, Ark.
Florida’s 19 SEC titles are the most in conference history.
“Earning the SEC title is something that the players will take with them for a long time and is something that is part of the legacy of our senior class,” coach Mary Wise said. “But we also know we have a lot of our goals still in front of us.”
Florida got output from all of its players Friday night. Six Gators finished with double-digits in total attacks. As a team, the Gators hit .331 while Razorbacks hit just .136.
The Gators also won the blocking battle, out-blocking Arkansas 10 to five.
“Typical of SEC road matches, Arkansas played very well against us, especially in set two,” Wise said. “I thought our team really responded, specifically in sets three and four, and the difference in the match was really our defense and blocking.”
Senior middle blocker Lauren Bledsoe hit a team-high .467 while recording nine kills, an assist, a dig and six blocks.
Junior setter Kelly Murphy was one kill away from recording a triple-double. She finished with nine kills, 21 assists and 11 digs. She also recorded five blocks on her way to hitting .333.
This was the second time Florida defeated Arkansas this season. The Gators defeated the Razorbacks in straight sets 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-17) on Oct. 3 in Gainesville.
Florida will travel to Baton Rouge, La., where it will take on No. 17 LSU (23-3, 14-3) on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
