Florida Gators reach No. 2 in rankings

Posted Sep 28, 2010 by Aaron Oberlin

Updated Sep 28, 2010 at 08:59 PM

The Florida volleyball team has played one of the toughest schedules so far this season, facing eight teams ranked in the top 25.

It’s paying off in the rankings.

Having only lost to No. 4 Penn State in its first 11 matches, Florida finds itself ranked No. 2 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association, the organization announced Monday. The last time the Gators (10-1, 3-0 SEC) reached that ranking was in 2003, when they finished as the NCAA runner-up.

Senior Kelly Murphy has led the team to its great start, leading in assists and kills. But there’s more to the Gators’ success.

Florida’s middle hitters, specifically senior Lauren Bledsoe and junior Cassandra Anderson, have played well. The two are fourth and fifth on the team in kills; first and second in blocks.

“Our middle blockers, with their experience and their ability to get kills and block balls, I think it’s a direct reflection on our record,” said UF coach Mary Wise.

With Murphy receiving double teams in every game this season, Bledsoe’s and Anderson’s production have allowed the Gators to distribute the ball to several players, Wise said.

Florida’s next match on Oct. 1 comes at home against another ranked opponent: No. 16 Louisiana State.

LSU won the league last year and is undefeated so far this season. The Tigers beat Florida both times last season.

Although that team graduated five seniors, Wise isn’t taking LSU lightly.

“Credit [LSU’s] staff and their program on graduating some fantastic players. But they’ve reloaded,” said Wise. “They’re a hard-nosed, gritty group of players. Very well coached. Very talented. A team that really competes hard.”