Zero and zero. Undefeated. A clean slate.
The fifth-ranked UF volleyball team (8-1) opens Southeastern Conference play at home tonight at 7 against the Ole Miss Rebels (14-1) with the mentality that they are beginning a brand new season.
"We, at this point in time, feel that the goal is always looking at the entire year as three distinct seasons: the pre-conference, the SEC season and then the postseason," head coach Mary Wise said. "We now go look at it as everyone is 0-0. Going to the SEC, that’s everyone’s record to date."
Undefeated in conference play last season, the Gators return five seniors, looking to fulfill the squad’s lofty expectations.
They have taken their leadership roles in stride, a newfound responsibility appreciated by outside hitter Gabby Mallette.
"I definitely feel more pressure than I did as a freshman, but I would say it kind of comes naturally once you’re older and you have the younger players looking up to you," Mallette said.
"I love being the person that people look to when they need help and I love giving people that encouragement to keep going."
Florida’s combination of experience and young talent have given the team added depth this season.
Against Florida State on Sunday, the Gators had four players record double-digit kills, putting that quality on full display.
"For the past two years now we’ve had such good depth and just seeing how much people are evolving over that time frame is awesome," Mackenzie Dagostino said. "If we can have that many people in double digits, it makes it so much easier to get people in that might not have an opportunity to play all the time."
The team will especially rely on its depth as it opens SEC play. Starting outside hitter Ziva Recek is away playing for the Slovenian national team as they compete in the European Championships.
While operating short-handed, players have had to step up in situations where they previously haven’t had any experience.
For example, sophomore setter Abby Detering served for sophomore middle blocker Rhamat Alhassan, then played the left back position against FSU, a spot where she was completely unfamiliar.
"Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone when you’re asked to do something that you’re not used to," Wise said.
"That shows such courage on the part of the team and is one of the reasons why we can continue to get better as our players accept willingness to get out of their comfort zones for the good of the team."
One of the most intriguing matchups today will take place at the net. Ole Miss touts one of the best front lines in the league, highlighted by sophomore middle blocker Taylor Alexander.
She will be going up against Alhassan.
"We have a big front line, I’m not too worried about one of their blockers when we have two or three of them," Dagostino said. "So I think we’re going to do great against them, and we’ve already played some pretty big players, so we kind of know what to do when we get into those situations."
At this point in the season, though, Wise isn’t only taking the final score into account.
It’s about achieving consistent improvement on a daily basis.
"We are trying to be the best version of ourselves each time," she said.
"Now it’s a matter of playing teams that we are very familiar with, and there’s no secrets in league, and knowing we’ll get everyone’s best shot."
Follow Brian Lee on Twitter @brianlee_17
UF setter Mackenzie Dagostino sets the ball for middle blocker Simone Antwi during Florida's 3-1 win against Florida State on Sept. 20, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.
