With a strong backline that consists of three veteran players, there is little doubt that Florida’s defense can hold its own.
But what about its offense?
With the graduation of Chloe Mann, Florida loses its most productive scorer and the NCAA record holder for career hitting efficiency (.476).
While coach Mary Wise recognizes the improbability of replacing Mann, she said junior Simone Antwi, sophomore Shainah Joseph and 6-foot-4 freshman Rhamat Alhassan are more than capable of covering the position.
"It would be unfair to them to ask them to pick up exactly where Chloe left off offensively," Wise said, "but there are signs of what they may be able to do in blocking that’s further than Chloe was at this time."
The trio may not be at Mann’s level yet, but Alhassan’s height, Antwi’s breakout sophomore year and Joseph’s fast progression in collegiate play could prove to be lethal against opponents.
In 2013, Antwi started all 32 matches and completed the year with a .377 hitting percentage and 3.07 points per set while leading the team with 96 blocks. Her junior status gives Florida at least another year with the players and allows the two other middle blockers – Alhassan and Joseph – time to learn how to connect on the court before she leaves.
Both Alhassan and Joseph are fresh to collegiate play – Joseph only played in four matches her freshman year and Alhassan, originally a basketball player, began playing volleyball in her junior year of high school.
With the two players’ limited experience, Florida will have to focus heavily on the defense to give the two players a chance to learn the game, and Wise has already recognized it.
"If (Sunday’s) scrimmage is any indication, this team is going to dig a lot of balls," Wise said. "The offense was really good, but the defense really outshined them in terms of the number of balls that were kept in play."
The use of three seniors — libero Taylor Unroe and defensive specialists Holly Pole and Maddy Monserez — on the back line in addition to junior Nikki O’Rourke will be beneficial to the middle blockers and will move Florida away from its previous approach of a dominating offense to a faster and stronger defensive game.
Going forward, Wise said the focus for the middle blockers is to just help the younger players learn the game.
But the team is focused heavily on one specific middle blocker that could completely change Florida’s offense: The raw potential that is Alhassan.
The freshman will still see a significant amount of playing time because of her height.
The Glenarden, Md., native is the tallest player in the history of Florida volleyball and has a big jump to add to that height.
"Our video coordinator brought in video this morning of a play she made where she literally is chest high above the tape," Wise said. "There are so few women in the country that can make that play. You could argue there aren’t that many in the world."
Follow Eden Otero on Twitter @edenotero_l
Simone Antwi swings at the ball during Florida's 3-2 loss to Florida State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Dec. 6 in the O'Connell Center.
