History in the O'Connell Center

Yesterday, the UF Gators returned to Gainesville to play their SEC home opener against the Texas A&M Aggies.  I did not know it at the time, but head coach Mary Wise was sitting on 699 career victories.  With a win here I would be able to see quite a huge accomplishment from a legendary coach.

The Aggies came out hollering and yelling but that was about the only noise they could make all night. The Gators set the tone in the first set and completely dominated A&M in all aspects of volleyball. They took the set easily by a score of 25-9. This was hands down the most dominant set I have ever seen the Gators play. In the second set, the Aggies woke up and gave the Gators a run for the money. But the Gators remained poised and took the set 25-23. In the final set, it was all but cruise control for UF as they won 25-17 to get the sweep and start out 3-0 in conference play. Freshman Alex Holston and sophomore Simone Antwi led the way as they both had 10 and 12 kills respectively. Sophomore Gabby Mallette and senior Khloe Mann also played well as they had 7 and 9 kills respectively.  

There was a short celebration ceremony for Coach Wise after the game and I was very happy I could be there to witness history.  The Gators will head to Tuscaloosa on Sunday to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide at 2:30 pm.  Meanwhile, Texas A&M will head to South Carolina as they take on the USC Gamecocks at 12:30 pm.

*Stats accredited to Gatorzone.com