Florida used its powerful offense to make it to the Sweet 16 last season.
UF ranked 20th in the nation in kills per set at 14.33 and No. 4 in the country with a .298 in hitting percentage. Despite the lofty numbers, No. 3 Florida has found a way to improve in both categories this season.
Thanks to help from newcomers and improved returners, the Gators rank No. 6 in the nation in kills per set at 14.89 and second in the nation in hitting percentage at .338.
“The depth of our team is definitely something that is a strength this year,” assistant coach Dave Boos said. “We have a lot of players that come in and contribute — something we didn’t have last year.
“We were definitely a little more thin last year with the injury situation. So, it’s a nice luxury to have.”
A common theme this season has been the performance of different role players such as freshman right-side hitter Alex Holston and sophomore middle blocker Simone Antwi.
Each has had breakout performances this season, and last weekend against Mississippi State and Ole Miss was no different.
Gabby Mallette had an increased role during the weekend, finishing second in attempts in both games.
She attempted 29 kills against Mississippi State and 13 against Ole Miss.
“[Mallette’s role is] significant,” Boos said.
“Championships are won and lost on the left side. If you look at Final Four and national championship teams, you need great left-side play.
“She has a physicality that’s very unique in our sport; very strong physically, a very high jumper and has tons of power in her swing.”
Last season, Florida relied heavily on four of its top players — senior middle blocker Chloe Mann, sophomore Ziva Recek and former Gators Tangerine Wiggs and Betsy Smith — for most of its attempts.
Recek led UF with 1,166 attempted kills. Mann attempted 699, Wiggs had attempted 503, and Smith had 451 attempts.
Mallette was the next highest at 345. No other player had more than 193.
Players such as Mallette impact Florida’s success, in situations like the back-to-back sweeps to start off the Southeastern Conference schedule.
“Anytime you start your SEC season 2-0 on the road with two sweeps, you’ve got to be pleased,” Boos said. “We were (pleased)with what we saw.”
Follow RJ Schaffer on Twitter @rjschaffer.
Gabby Mallette prepares to hit the ball during Florida’s four-set victory against Western Michigan on Sept. 14 in the O’Connell Center. The sophomore outside hitter totaled 17 kills last weekend.
