Graphic: Scott MacCord/UAA Communications
Match Point: Nebraska 3, Gators 1
Saturday, December 16, 2017 | Volleyball, Scott Carter
The UF volleyball team falls to the Cornhuskers, ending its bid to win the program's first national championship.
NEBRASKA 3, GATORS 1
22-25, 17-25, 25-18, 16-25
*****
WHAT HAPPENED: Playing in the national championship match for only the second time in school history, the Gators led 15-11 in the first set before Nebraska reversed momentum to win the first two sets and put Florida's back up against the wall. UF responded by taking the third set, but the Cornhuskers had a strong response of their own by jumping to a 10-2 lead in the fourth set and never trailing.
WHAT IT MEANS: Nebraska avenged a 3-2 loss to the Gators in Gainesville on Aug. 26 and finished the season on a 19-game win streak. For the Cornhuskers, it's their second national title in three years and fifth overall. Meanwhile, the Gators had their 16-game win streak snapped in one of the best seasons in school history.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Gators head coach Mary Wise's quest to become the first female head coach to win an NCAA volleyball title continues. Wise is already the winningest female coach in the college game's history. Florida's loss means that no Southeastern Conference team still has won the title.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Florida finished the match with a season-low hitting percentage of .141. Florida's previous low was .165 in the season opener against Texas. Otherwise, the Gators hit .200 or better each game.
UP NEXT: The Gators finish 30-2 as Wise concludes her 27th season at UF with her second appearance in the national championship. The Gators lost to Southern Cal in 2003. As she looks toward 2018, replacing seniors Rhamat Alhassan, Shainah Joseph, Carli Snyder, Caroline Knop and Lindsey Rogers will be at the top of the list.
Players Mentioned
MB
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OH
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DS
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OH
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