With so many freshmen this year, coach Mary Wise has taken full advantage of trying out multiple lineups before Southeastern Conference play. Tonight was no exception.
With setter Taylor Brauneis out with a mild concussion, freshman Dana Backlund stepped up as she started her first game against Jacksonville.
“What happened with Taylor B. was just a mild concussion like symptoms,” Wise said. “She got hit in the back of the head with the ball, and this day and age everyone is very concerned for her. But she’s clear, she’s fine, but didn’t practice yesterday. (But it’s a) great opportunity for Dana Backlund.”
Backlund led the No. 15 Gators (4-2) to a 3-0 (25-18, 25-11, 25-11) sweep against the Dolphins (0-7) with 33 assists. In addition to accounting for 87 percent of Florida’s assists, Backlund was able to show off her offensive skills with four kills and three blocks, all while hitting .500.
“What a great experience for her,” Wise said. “As the match went on, she got better and better and found rhythm with her hitters. You could see how quick she is, she’s just so athletic. (She) kept some balls in play that normally wouldn’t and converted them into points for us that should’ve been points for the other team.”
In the win over Jacksonville, the setter wasn’t the only freshman to rise to the occasion. Outside hitter Gabby Mallette had a break out performance with an errorless match, hitting .700 with seven kills.
“Another good opportunity for Gabby Mallette,” Wise said. “Playing in that role and you could see by her numbers, she responded as well.”
The Gators had five of its seven attackers hit over .400 tonight with 43 kills.
Throughout the match, Florida had its highest hitting percentage, with .468, since Oct. 2 of last year when the Gators hit for .469 against Georgia. The team was also able to keep Jacksonville down to .080.
“I always think our hitting percentage is a reflection of our passing; our passers are often the unsung heroes,” senior Tangerine Wiggs said. “They do so much work and come in early to make sure they get great balls up for us. Honestly, as a hitter, at least from my perspective, I have the easy job."
Contact Katie Agostin at kagostin@alligator.org.
Dana Backlund prevents the ball from going over the net during Florida's win over Jacksonville Friday night at Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
