Florida was forced to mount a three-set comeback to survive its most recent home matchup against Kentucky.
The No. 2 Gators could have an easier time against the Wildcats on Friday night thanks to the emergence of freshman right-side hitter Alex Holston.
“Our offensive numbers have just been staggering,” coach Mary Wise said.
The Gators are not just dominating matches — Florida has not lost a set since Sept. 14 against Western Michigan — they are hitting the ball at one of the best clips in the nation.
UF is fourth in the nation in kills per set, averaging 15.06 per game and second in the nation in hitting percentage at .349.
Holston, who has adapted to Wise’s system quickly, has contributed to those high marks despite being a true freshman.
“For her to put up the numbers she’s doing — low error and highly efficient,” Wise said. “That’s the best combination.”
Holston was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week after her performances against Texas A&M and Alabama last weekend.
She hit .567 in the two matches but was especially good against the Crimson Tide; she hit .727 with eight kills in the Gators’ three-set victory.
One of Holston’s biggest strengths has been her consistency.
She recorded only one error during the weekend and has only 23 attack errors this season — four fewer than senior middle blocker Chloe Mann.
Follow RJ Schaffer on Twitter @rjschaffer.
Alex Holston blocks the ball during Florida’s three-set win against Texas A&M on Oct. 4 in the O’Connell Center.
