Tick. Tock.
Coach Mary Wise knows her team has kinks to work out, and the clock is ticking.
With just three regular season matches remaining, the Gators are improving in multiple aspects of the game — so many that Wise can’t even choose one to harp on.
"Can I only pick one?" Wise said after Florida’s 3-0 win over Tennessee on Sunday.
The Gators steamrolled most of their Southeastern Conference opponents with the help of their potent offense, which leads the SEC in kills per set (14.46) and hitting percentage (.324).
Despite this, Wise has her sights set on improving UF’s defense — more specifically blocking and digging.
The Gators (20-5, 12-4 SEC) were out-blocked 7-3, but out-dug the Vols 48-35 in Sunday’s win.
In Wise’s eyes, both those facets were flaws.
"If you’re not gonna block well then you gotta dig, and we didn’t do that either," Wise said.
"So it just wasn’t a night that we played great defense."
Over the last two matches, Florida has totaled seven blocks in six sets, which is well below its average of 2.71 blocks per set this season.
With 6-foot-4 sophomore middle blocker Rhamat Alhassan at the net, it isn’t unreasonable to expect the Gators to flip the switch soon. Alhassan’s 1.62 blocks per set is tied for first in the nation.
Senior defensive specialist Nikki O’Rourke said the team thrives off its blocking.
"We’ve got some awesome blockers up there and when their blocking game is on it just really helps out the back row," she said.
When Florida’s blockers get their hands on an attack and slow it down as it falls to the court, the back row can more easily pass the ball to the setter, who can in turn throw up better sets for UF’s hitters.
Focusing on this concept — also known as positive block touches — will help improve Florida’s defense overall, sophomore outside hitter Carli Snyder said.
O’Rourke said positive block touches will be key if the Gators make the postseason, where every team will have big, physical hitters.
And if anyone knows best it’s O’Rourke, who scurries around the court digging and passing balls.
"That just makes our blocking that much more important," she said.
Senior outside hitter Ziva Recek said when postseason play rolls around, the connection between the back row and front row is imperative.
For players like O’Rourke, that connection helps with reading where the ball will end up.
"It’s not just about putting all your effort for the balls around the court," Recek said.
"It’s also communicating with your blockers in front of you."
The first of Florida’s final three regular season matches comes on the road against LSU on Friday at 6 p.m.
The Gators will get a taste of a Tigers defense that leads the SEC with 15.93 digs per set.
"The key is to stay patient offensively and know it’s gonna be a long rally," Wise said.
Other players, like senior middle blocker Simone Antwi, have a slightly more aggressive approach.
Antwi said she tries to hit away from defenders but knows that isn’t always possible.
"Sometimes you just gotta go up there and rip it," she said. "It’s kind of like a ‘I’ll give it my best, you give it your best’ kind of thing."
Follow Patrick Pinak on Twitter @Pinakk12
UF outside hitter Ziva Recek digs a ball during Florida's 3-0 win against Alabama on Nov. 13, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.
