Mary Wise put an exclamation mark on her career Friday night by notching her 700th victory as Florida’s coach by beating Texas A&M.
On Sunday, she collected win No. 701.
No. 3 Florida swept Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., for the Gators’ seventh straight sweep.
“It’s possible people will look at this and expect Florida to win 3-0 against this young Alabama team,” Wise said. “But I got to tell you: Winning 3-0 in Tuscaloosa is quite the accomplishment for our program.”
The victory not only continued Florida’s (15-1, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) winning streak in the SEC, but it maintained the Gators’ impressive unbeaten set streak.
Florida has not lost a set since a 30–28 third-set loss to Western Michigan on Sept. 14 for a run of 22 straight. UF has not lost a match since Sept. 8 against then-No. 1 Penn State.
The Gators’ senior combination of middle blocker Chloe Mann and setter Taylor Brauneis led the way in Tuscaloosa.
Mann, who set Florida’s career hitting-percentage record earlier this season, hit .737 during the match to go along with her team-leading 14 kills.
“Chloe was nothing short of outstanding,” Wise said.
“It’s just Chloe. ... Not all sets are in her wheelhouse, but she has the ability to do now what she couldn’t do in the beginning of her career.
“She had a few that were a little bit lower and she got on top of it and got some off speed shots, which were happening. She just has so much court to work with, credit to Taylor.”
Although Florida did not have a high amount of blocks in the game, it kept the game in control by registering 32 digs..
The hitting percentage was the key contrast in the match. Florida hit .529 while holding Alabama (13-4, 1-2 SEC) to just .155.
Follow RJ Schaffer on Twitter @rjschaffer.
Florida coach Mary Wise claps during a 3-0 win against FIU on Aug. 24, 2012 in the O'Connell Center.
