The fourth set in Florida’s final regular season match of the season was as back-and-forth as any set the Gators have played all season.
Down two sets to one, UF started the fourth set with a 7-1 scoring run before Georgia swiftly responded with a 6-0 run to even up the score at 11 apiece.
Then, the Gators went on a 4-0 run, followed immediately by a 4-0 Bulldog run to tie it up at 15-all.
The Bulldogs then grabbed the momentum, going on a 7-1 scoring run to put themselves up five. Nevertheless, the Gators did not quit, scoring five straight points to tie it back up at 22.
However, these late-game efforts proved to be in vain, as Georgia (12-14, 6-10 SEC) finished off the set 25-23 to complete the comeback upset over No. 18 Florida (21-7, 11-5 SEC) three sets to one.
The defeat marked UF’s second consecutive loss this past week. Prior to this, Florida had previously been on a season-best 10-match winning streak.
The Gators controlled play at the net during the match, recording 11 blocks. However, the Bulldogs were dominant from the service line, recording 13 service aces in the bout. Seven of those service aces came from Georgia redshirt sophomore libero Ana Julia Bleeke, who broke her previous career record of four service aces in a bout.
For the Gators, sophomore outside hitter Kennedy Martin continued her strong campaign with a double-double of 27 kills and 11 digs. She also recorded six blocks, a joint team high.
Meanwhile, senior middle blocker Amaya Thomas and freshman middle blocker Jaela Auguste were Florida’s main net presences, scoring six and five blocks, respectively.
Florida freshman setter Taylor Parks also had 42 assists, nine digs and two service aces in the matchup.
The Gators took control of the first set early and never let their foot off the gas. UF put together multiple scoring runs in the set, including a 6-0 run that helped to put away the set 25-16.
Martin assumed her usual role at the forefront of the Gator offense and dominated in the opening set, scoring nine kills.
The second set was far more competitive, featuring nine ties and five lead changes. However, the Bulldogs took set two 25-21 behind four service aces and 3.5 blocks. Bleeker recorded three of the four UGA service aces in the second set.
In the third set, Florida regained control of the net play, recording five blocks. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs continued their strong play on the service front, which propelled them to a 25-20 set victory.
Georgia recorded five service aces in the third set, three of which came from Bleeker. Meanwhile, UF committed four attack errors in the set.
UF came out strong in the fourth set before Georgia quickly responded. The two sides traded scoring runs, and were tied on multiple occasions.
Ultimately, it was the Bulldogs who finished the match off with a 25-23 fourth set victory behind a five block set and three service aces.
Florida will now await Sunday’s NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament Selection Show at 6 p.m. to determine who it will face in the Round of 64.
Contact Max Bernstein at mbernstein@alligator.org. Follow him on X @maxbernstein23.
