All the dominoes appeared to be falling to set up a potential Final Four run for Florida volleyball.
Not only did they possess a two sets to one lead over Minnesota in the Sweet Sixteen matchup on Friday, but Louisville, whom the Gators swept earlier this season, upset Texas immediately prior to their match.
Florida, however, dropped the fourth and fifth sets and saw their season end in disappointment, yet again.
How it happened
SET 1:
The Golden Gophers raced out to a 3-0 lead, but much if the set was back and forth. That is, until Florida managed a 7-2 run with the game tied at 12.
The Gators hit at a .326 clip, recording 19 kills and five errors.
SET 2:
The Gators dropped set two 25-14 as Minnesota once again got off to a fast start. The Gophers led 5-0 and 6-1 to open the set and never looked back. Florida would get as close as 9-8, but Minnesota went on a 7-1 run to put the set away.
SET 3:
Florida room set three 25-16 behind a .441 hitting percentage. The game was tied at 12 before Florida went on a 9-1 run to seal the set.
SET 4:
With Florida already trailing 9-7, the Golden Gophers took control with a 7-1 run that essentially put the Gators to bed.
SET 5:
Florida opened the final set with a 3-2 lead, but as they had done for much of the night, Minnesota went on a 6-0 run to take an 8-3 lead at the side change. Despite outscoring the Gophers 8-7 after switching sides, it was too little, too late for Florida.
Statistically speaking
On the night, the Gators hit .247 with 64 kills and 24 errors.
Defensively, Minnesota’s middle blockers were the difference. The Gophers recorded 13 blocks. The Gators registered 7 blocks.
INDIVIDUAL STATS:
- Thayer Hall: 17 kills, 8 errors, 1 service ace, 9 digs.
- Rachael Kramer: 15 kills, 3 errors, 4 blocks
- Marlie Monserez: 53 assists, 12 digs, 2 aces
- Allie Gregory: 12 digs, 4 assists, 2 aces
What’s Next
This is the end of the road for the 2019 Florida Gators. The Gators finish with a 27-5 record.
Four seniors have exhausted their eligibility. Allie Gregory, Rachael Kramer, Chanelle Hargreaves, and Morgyn Greer saw their collegiate volleyball careers end on Friday.
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