A little over one month ago, Florida’s volleyball team made quick work of LSU as part of a stretch in which the Gators won eight consecutive games in straight sets.
Friday night was a little different.
For the third road game in a row, Florida lost its first set in a tightly contested 23-25 mark to LSU. But after getting punched in the mouth early, it was quickly all UF.
The No. 19 Gators (20-5, 13-3 Southeastern Conference) would go on to win the match 3-1 (23-25, 25-14, 25-21, 25-2) behind a monstrous performance by sophomore middle blocker Chloe Mann.
Continuing her recent trend of increased playing time, Mann got the start and played the match in its entirety as senior Cassandra Anderson watched from the bench. The result was an incredibly efficient performance in which Mann recorded 18 kills on 20 swings for a .900 hitting clip. She was also second on the team in blocks on the night, trailing only junior right-side Tangerine Wiggs.
Mann’s low-error play was am major asset for the Gators on a night in which Kelly Murphy, Kristy Jaeckel and Betsy Smith all hit .261 and under, including a minus-.069 performance by Jaeckel.
Senior outside hitter Stephanie Ferrell proved to be Florida’s second-most potent offensive weapon against LSU, registering 10 kills and hitting .318. Wiggs was also dangerous with nine kills and a .320 mark.
Florida’s lineup remained consistent from last weekend, also utilizing freshman Holly Pole in the back court in lieu of fellow freshman defensive specialist Madison Monserez. But the story on defense Friday was the play of redshirt freshman libero Taylor Unroe.
The Gators’ leading defensive specialist tied a career high with 22 digs as part of a team total of 67. Jaeckel was also active defensively, picking up a career-high 20 digs.
LSU (17-9, 10-6 SEC) was held to a hitting clip of .119, well below its .235 season average.
Friday’s defeat was the second home loss in a row for the Tigers, who were celebrating senior night with the Gators in town.
