ChompTalk.com

The No. 20 Gators Volleyball team fell to Kentucky in three sets Saturday. The team finished the regular season with an 18-9, 10-8 SEC record. The Wildcats took control of the opening set of the match and never looked backed as they cruised to a 3-0 sweep.

After several lead changes in the first set, UK came out victorious 25-18. Despite a late surge by the Gators in the second set, they would come just short of completing a comeback win when as they lost 25-21 in the second set to trail 2-0 in the match.

UF had their back against the wall and needed a strong performance in the third set to keep their winning hopes alive. Kentucky slammed the door shut on Florida and completed the sweep with a 25-20 victory in the third set.

Freshman Kennedy Martin registered 14 kills for a team-high for the Gators. Gabbrielle Essix and Sofia Victoria had positive contributions on offense as well as they each tallied seven kills.

Fifth year Kennedy Muff dished out 30 assists in the three-setter.

The Gators totaled 12 blocks as a team in Saturday’s matchup. Nnedi Okammor led the way defensively for Florida en route to posting a match-high six blocks.

Senior Elli McKissock roamed the backcourt recording 14 digs. Seven other Gators pitched in three or more digs on the afternoon.

The Gators will now advance to the NCAA Tournament. The selection show is scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. where they will find out their seeding.