There are three elements that go into the volleyball statistic of “points.” Kills, service aces and blocks are the three ways that a team can record a “point” and, while kills often are the most recognized and dynamic method of scoring a point, the No. 2 Florida volleyball team is getting it done with blocking and serving this season.
In all matches combined, the Gators lead the Southeastern Conference in both blocks per set (2.82) and service aces per set (1.62). Additionally, due to its powerful blocking and smart serving, Florida also is limiting its opponents to just a .170 hitting efficiency, second-best hitting percentage defense in the league.
As a team, Florida ranks 13th in the nation in blocks per set. The Gators have recorded double-figure blocks in eight matches this season, including a season-high 14 blocks against both Nebraska on Aug. 29 and Tennessee on Sept. 19. Florida has three players averaging 0.95 blocks per set or better in Lauren Bledsoe (1.17), Cassandra Anderson (1.12) and Tangerine Wiggs (0.95).
Bledsoe ranks fourth in the conference with 1.17 blocks per set, while Anderson is sixth with 1.12 blocks per set. The Gators are one of only two SEC teams (Ole Miss being the other) to have two players averaging better than 1.0 blocks per set. In league matches only, Anderson and Bledsoe are tied for second in the conference with 1.27 blocks per set.
Senior Callie Rivers leads the Gators in service aces with 0.34 aces per set, which ranks fourth in the SEC. Five Florida players have recorded 10 or more service aces this season.
Florida returns to action on Friday when it plays host to No. 16 LSU. Opening serve in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center is slated for 7 p.m. ET and the match will be carried live on GatorVision Online and ROCK 104 (103.7 FM in Gainesville) with Tom Collett and Missy Whittemore.
For all of the latest information on Florida volleyball, please log on to www.GatorZone.com/volleyball. Follow Florida Volleyball on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GatorZoneVB and Coach Mary Wise on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GatorMary.
WEEK 5 SEC VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Kentucky at No. 23 Tennessee – 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Alabama at Georgia – 7 p.m. ET
Arkansas at South Carolina – 7 p.m. ET
Mississippi State at Auburn – 8 p.m. ET
No. 16 LSU at No. 2 Florida – 7 p.m. ET
Ole Miss at No. 23 Tennessee – 7 p.m. ET
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Alabama at Auburn – 2:30 p.m. ET
Arkansas at No. 2 Florida – 1:30 p.m. ET
Mississippi State at Georgia – 1 p.m. ET (FS South)
Ole Miss at Kentucky – 1:30 p.m. ET
No. 16 LSU at South Carolina – 1:30 p.m. ET
