The Florida volleyball team kicked off its season with an exhibition match against the Georgia Southern Eagles at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, and the standout performer of the night was sophomore Kennedy Martin. The 6-foot-6 outside hitter showcased her skills by tallying an impressive 27 kills in just four sets, leading the Gators to a three-set-to-one victory. Martin’s exceptional performance earned praise from head coach Mary Wise, who described her as a special talent who continues to improve.
Despite being an exhibition match, the game provided valuable playing time for Florida’s six true freshmen. Setter Taylor Parks and middle blocker Alec Rothe started for the Gators, while other freshmen players like Jaela Auguste, Ella Vogel, Bella Lee, and Lauren Harden made significant contributions off the bench. Parks, in particular, stood out in her collegiate debut, finishing with a team-high 46 assists and setting up the game-winning kill for Harden.
The presence of a raucous crowd at the O’Dome added to the pressure of the match, giving the freshmen players a taste of what it’s like to compete in front of a home crowd. Wise commended the freshmen for handling the pressure and credited the team’s veterans, including Martin and fifth-year player Elli McKissock, for providing support and guidance.
McKissock, who played as libero, showcased her defensive prowess by leading the match with 16 digs. The absence of players like Gaby Cornier, Kira Hutson, Madi Gravlee, and Gabrielle Essix provided opportunities for the freshmen to step up and make an impact on the game.
The match saw both teams trading blows, with Georgia Southern putting up a strong fight in the second set to secure a victory. However, the Gators bounced back in the third set, with Martin once again leading the charge with 12 kills. The fourth set, played to 15 points as a tiebreaker, ended in a thrilling 17-15 victory for Florida.
Looking ahead, the Gators will embark on a road trip to face off against Colorado State, Northern Colorado, and Michigan State in their upcoming regular season matches. The experience gained from the exhibition match will undoubtedly serve as valuable preparation for the challenges that lie ahead in the season.
In conclusion, the Florida volleyball team’s exhibition match against Georgia Southern showcased the talent and potential of both returning players like Kennedy Martin and incoming freshmen. The team’s victory, fueled by Martin’s stellar performance and the collective effort of the players, sets a positive tone for the upcoming season. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Gators are poised to make a strong impact in the competitive world of collegiate volleyball.