The last time Florida played Georgia, both teams were cruising through the season with winning records and a promising future.
Since then, the two conference foes have veered off in different directions.
The No. 8 Gators (16-3, 10-0 Southeastern Conference) will play their second and final regular season match against the Bulldogs (10-11, 2-7 SEC) tonight at 7 from Athens, Georgia.
Since the Oct. 10 meeting between the two SEC rivals, in which Florida swept Georgia 3-0, the latter has lost four of its last five matches.
For UF, the victory signified another win added to its streak, which now rests at 11 consecutive games.
Georgia, a team largely known for its blocking and physical style of play at the net, was out blocked seven to four by Florida.
The Gators also held large advantages in kills, assists and digs, and limited UGA to .022 hitting from the floor, the Bulldogs’ second worst output of the season.
Meanwhile, Florida has outscored its opponents 15-1 since its last meeting with Georgia.
"As I can stand here and confidently say that our team has improved in that time," coach Mary Wise said, "so too will Georgia."
Georgia’s 6-foot-2 sophomore blocker Desiree McCray has come into her own as of late, and even leads UF’s Rhamat Alhassan in blocks per set at 1.35.
Florida will also have to account for senior Inutiraha Le’au, who didn’t record a service ace in the team’s first meeting but is now third in the SEC with 28.
"I think when you play a team with the talent of Georgia. ... it brings out your best," Wise said. "It will be a test of our offensive patience."
Georgia has only played one other ranked team this season, falling 3-0 to then-No. 12 Kentucky two weeks ago.
As Georgia has struggled, Florida has hit its stride.
The Gators’ back row defense has excelled lately, setting up junior Mackenzie Dagostino with passes that has allowed her to average 11.30 assists per set this season, which is second in the SEC.
Score-wise, Florida hasn’t found itself in a close match since its 3-2 loss to Marquette over a month ago.
UF’s dominant play has allowed opportunities for its reserve players to see extended game action, like freshmen Abby Detering and Samantha Dubiel, and sophomore Denise Belcher.
"What we are is a better team than we were a week ago, and our goal will be to be better at the end of this week," Wise said.
"We’ll get their best shot and we embrace the challenge and know that we’ll have to bring our A-game."
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Mackenzie Dagostino sets the ball during Florida's 3-0 win against the Mizzouri on Friday in the O'Connell Center.
