Over the course of just two days it’s been the battle of the freshman.
On Friday it was 6-foot-4 middle blocker Rhamat Alhassan’s time to shine by playing as an offensive weapon that had six kills against Georgia Southern and 13 kills against Idaho.
However, on Saturday it was outside hitter Carli Snyder making waves on Florida’s roster.
In a 3-2 win against Oklahoma (2-1), Snyder played in all five sets for Florida (3-0), recording 11 kills and three blocks.
The freshman saw limited time on the court on Friday night, but her height and jump coupled with a strong arm made her useful against a tough Sooners team on Saturday.
“She’s the one that you look at and you wonder, ‘how do you generate that ball speed?’” coach Mary Wise said. “…She has great ball hand control and if you look at her numbers, for a freshman, she doesn’t make errors. For her to get 14 points as a freshman, and her first time ever starting, that’s a good start. It really is.”
Coming into the weekend’s matches, Snyder worked extensively on her blocking with assistant coach Dave Boos, who she credits for her success in defending against the Sooners.
“Chad our volunteer assistant and Dave and I, we really worked on the blocking, so I have them to thank for the couple blocks I’ve had this weekend,” Snyder said.
Snyder and Alhassan are the only two freshmen that have had a chance to see much playing time. Backup setter Abby Detering played in Friday’s match against Georgia Southern for a rotation, but was only able to pick up three assists in her time on the court.
While Snyder and Alhassan had a successful opening weekend, Wise said the Florida team would have to really work to smooth out some of the kinks.
“The Gators are a work in progress, I think that’s the best way to qualify tonight’s match,” Wise said. “…It’s early season and we have a lot to work on.”
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Carli Snyder attempts a kill during Florida's 3-2 win against Oklahoma on Satuday in the O'Connell Center.
