Stephanie Ferrell was locked in on Saturday night.
By all accounts, the senior outside hitter had her best game of the 2011 season in No. 6 Florida’s four-set victory (25-12, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18) over Kentucky.
“We just needed to go out and focus and become composed, and I think we did a great job of doing that,” Ferrell said.
Ferrell dominated a Wildcats’ frontcourt that came in leading the Southeastern Conference in blocks. She registered 11 kills but maybe most importantly was efficient with her hits, something that has not always been a strength for the powerful 6-foot-1 hitter. UF coach Mary Wise added that Ferrell’s passing and blocking has improved as well, even if those stats typically don’t jump out as much.
“Stephanie Ferrell was terrific,” Wise said. “One of the best matches she’s had. … She’s learning that every ball has to be a home run.”
Kentucky (11-3, 2-1 SEC) was only able to pick up a season-low three blocks against a Florida offense that had 53 kills.
“That starts with our ball control,” senior Kristy Jaeckel said. “Obviously, the better we control the ball, the more options we give our hitters because the less double blocks they’ll see.”
Also playing a major factor in the Wildcats’ downfall was Jaeckel, who led the Gators (9-2, 2-0 SEC) with 15 kills on the evening. Both hitters gave credit to their team’s passing abilities and the play of freshman defensive specialist Madison Monserez for fueling a potent offensive attack.
“Tonight, I really got into a rhythm,” Ferrell said. “The setters did an efficient job -- a great job -- of getting me the ball and making great sets. … It was my lucky night.”
Kentucky came in touting the 2010 SEC Libero of the Year and current SEC digs leader, Stephanie Klefot. However, UF redshirt freshman libero Taylor Unroe proved to be the more efficient of the two, sporting a dig percentage of .941 compared to .897 for Klefot.
But defense was not the story of the O’Connell Center’s first SEC game of 2011. It was an offensive slugfest with high totals in hitting percentage and points scored. The offensive style seemed to fit Florida much better than a Kentucky team that entered Gainesville on a nine-game winning streak.
“It was great offense,” Wise said. “You just had to wonder about the defense.”
Injury update: Freshman outside hitter Noami Santos-Lamb sat out Saturday’s game wearing a walking boot. Wise said she tweaked her ankle in practice and was kept out of action to be conservative and cautious.
