When Florida played its annual match against Florida State last season, the Gators suffered one of only three sweeps of the season. The other two came against reigning national champion Texas.
UF had been swept only once since 2010 — an NCAA Regionals to Purdue — and twice in the regular season since 2008. But the Seminoles took care of business in straight sets.
“Last year we went to Tallahassee and Florida State, with their experience, they really, really played well,” coach Mary Wise said.
“They were flawless in so many parts of the game and deserved the win.”
Tonight’s matchup at 6 will not only be an opportunity for No. 4 Florida (8-1) to avenge its loss to No. 17 Florida State (6-3), but an opportunity to see what kind of progress the program has made since last year’s match.
Florida State will be carrying momentum from its five-set comeback win against No. 7 Michigan on Saturday.
“They did have to graduate a couple players that gave us trouble in the past, but it’s still Florida State running a similar offense, similar defense,” Wise said.
“Great talent. I could see them winning their league again, being in the NCAA tournament and making a long run — great opportunity tomorrow night.”
The most difficult challenge for Florida will be trying to avoid Florida State’s blocking. The Seminoles are tied for 34th in the nation with 2.7 blocks per game.
FSU’s height advantage could give it a chance to slow down UF’s quick-hitting offense.
The Seminoles front line includes 6-foot-1 outside hitter Olivera Medic, 6-foot-5 right-side hitter Elise Walch, 6-foot-2 outside hitter Nicole Walch and 6-foot-3 middle blocker Ashley Neff.
“[The Walch sisters] are going to pose a threat to everyone they play,” Wise said.
“The other day, they had 44 kills amongst the two of them. They’ve got great arms. So, good DNA in terms of just how fast and hard they hit the ball.”
Middle blockers Simone Antwi, Chloe Mann and outside hitter Gabby Mallette — each standing at 6-foot-2 — are UF’s tallest players.
Freshman right-side hitter Alex Holston, who set a career high against Iona with 13 kills, a .667 hitting percentage and 13.5 points scored Saturday, could also play a critical role in the match.
Wise expects Holston to perform well in her first taste of the Gators-Seminoles rivalry.
“The great thing about the freshmen is they don’t know what they don’t know yet,” Wise said.
“In Alex’s case, it’s just a match in the O’Connell Center.
“Watching how steady she was this whole year leads me to think the difference for her is going to be the great outside hitters that she’s playing against.”
Follow RJ Schaffer on Twitter @rjschaffer.
Gabby Mallette reaches to hit the ball during Florida’s four-set win against Western Michigan on Sept. 14 in the O’Connell Center.
