(VB) Ongoing Volleyball Thread

Did anyone notice that Gabi Essex did not play against Georgia? Is she hurt or was this just a strategy change from Coach Wise? And an FYI, for the match Victoria led the Gators with 18.5 points, Martin had 14.5, Fitzpatrick had 14, Muff 10, Okammor 9, Dixon 8.5 and McKissock 4. Muff also had 12 digs, 4 blocks and 6 kills to go with her 38 assists. Not bad for her 2nd game as a starter replacing an All American. A work in progress adjusting to a new setter, but I'm impressed with the coaching and the effort of Muff and her teammates in doing what they have to do to adapt and win on the fly.

 

She played one set vs. Auburn only. She was dinged entering that match. When she returns it’ll give us flexibility to move Dixon around the net as she’s a natural OH but playing MB for the team. Don’t know what the injury is.

 

Gabi Essix may still be nursing broken fingers although they are no longer wrapped or in splints.

Having Gabi at 100% along with the improved play from Nnedi Okammor would allow Anna Dixon to move back to her natural position at OH. Anna hadn't played MB since 7th grade before volunteering to help with the position at UF.

Given her physicality and talent, I'd like to see AC Fitzpatrick cross train at setter and experiment with her at setter rather than going without a setter in defensive situations as was done against UGLY when Madi Gravlee was brought in, and Muff was off the court. Teams will game plan for that moving forward. Madi got her first block as a Gator.

On injuries, I'd like to see CMW give updates each week much like what happens in other sports. I'd like to know about Gabi Essix and Kira Hutson, have been wanting to know on Hutson as she hasn't played since at Stanford.

 

Gators Win Over Georgia:

Gators Win Thrilling Five-Setter Over Georgia - Florida Gators

The match was won with defense and serving. Glad to see UF improve serving with 11 service errors spread over 5 sets.

The poodles had 10 more kills than the Gators. Clearly the Gators are out of rhythm on offense. When you have a horse like Kenndey Martin, you ride her. She is a difference maker on offense that sets UF apart from all other teams.

 

You must have been half asleep. LOL.

 

Something like that.

 

My daughter was getting mad at me for saying after every UGLY service error, we really need more of that. But it was true.

 

Concerns about Muff at the net seem to have been somewhat alleviated last night as well. She had several kills on second contact and won 3 net jousts. Was good to see. Also good to see the back row attacks starting. She seems to make the right decisions most of the time.
The biggest issue now is getting her synched up with Martin. She’s doing well with some of the other attackers but that rhythm isn’t there yet.

 

I completely agree, Muff is playing well, but the rhythm with Martin isn't there yet. Hopefully, they can get that worked out soon.

 

I have to assume that'll come. Getting the ball to your ace is top priority.
Congrats on beating the Dawgs, Gators!

 

I saw Kira Hutson at the corner of Gale Lemerand and Stadium.
She was not in a sling and did not have a labored gait.
That is all.

 

Slingate.

 

Muff has played much better than I expected. She has lots of experience, even though at a lower level, but that gives her confidence on the big stage.

 

Just looking at the upcoming schedule on floridagators.com. What does the "RV" mean in "RV Texas A&M". I might have missed something everyone else knows.

 

Agree and was unaware of why Gravlee was inserted…I didn’t see the match but followed on match stats. Thought she was inserted to give Martin a rest to gather her thoughts as she’s done a not so bueno job of finishing plays the last two matches-imo. It’s the attacker’s job to finish plays regardless of change in S. There’s at least 6 ways to finish a play at the net.

 

Received votes in another poll.

 

Ahh, makes sense. Had never seen that. Thanks Scrappy.

 

It would be nice if we could play better and not have to pull out a 2-point win in the 5th set. Otherwise, I will need to up my blood pressure med on game nights.

 

Have to disagree on Kennedy Martin. The new setter on the block has to do a better job of setting our best hitter and keeping her in the match, not the other way around. Martin is already a nationally known commodity. She should be focused on much more by Muff, not less. The friendly to UF announcers made note of this last night as well.

 

with all the negativity here, what will it be like when we lose a match?