When Florida traveled to College Station, Texas, last year, it needed to a comeback from a 2-0 hole to beat Texas A&M.
This year, it will be the Aggies turn to experience what Southeastern Conference volleyball is like when they take their first trip to Gainesville to face No. 3 Florida on Friday night at 7 in the O’Connell Center.
“I think everyone is really excited,” junior Madison Monserez said. “We love the competition, especially when we get to play at home.”
In both teams’ matchup last year, the Gators needed 25-23 wins in both the third and fourth sets to force a fifth.
Florida eventually won the fifth set 15-6. The Gators lost only two more matches for the rest of the regular season.
The Aggies went 16-4 in conference play in their first season in the SEC and made it all the way to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
“What’s so impressive about Texas A&M is they had so many good seniors a year ago,” coach Mary Wise said. “To graduate the talent that they had and be where they are today speaks volumes of their staff.”
Out of the eight players who saw playing time against Gators last season, only three of them – Allie Sawatzky, Kelsey Kinley and Heather Reynolds – are still on the team.
“Whether or not we have a lot of history, it’s this team, this year,” Wise said. “A year ago was very different. First time we played at Texas A&M and the first time we faced those players.”
It will also be the first time the Gators have played at home in almost three weeks. Florida has been on the road since sweeping No. 18 Florida State on Sept. 17.
In its last eight matches, Florida has lost only one set. The Gators are currently on a 16-set winning streak.
Follow RJ Schaffer on Twitter @rjschaffer.
Sophomore Madison Monserez (11) attempts a pass during UF’s 3-0 win against FIU on Aug. 24, 2012, in the O’Connell Center.
