Florida Volleyball Notebook: Oct. 8
Thursday, October 8, 2009 | Volleyball
It's no secret that sophomore Florida right-side/setter Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Ill.) possesses some of the most versatile and explosive talents in the Southeastern Conference. But it's becoming more and more frequent that Murphy is shining in all areas of her game.
On Wednesday night against South Carolina, Murphy turned in her nation-leading fourth triple-double of the season. Murphy has now charted 10 triple-doubles in her career, shattering the school record of four set by former All-America setter Angie McGinnis.
Currently, Murphy ranks seventh in the SEC in assists per set (6.28) as part of a 6-2 offensive scheme and is ninth in hitting percentage (.325).
When the team takes the court against LSU on Sunday night, the Gators are hoping for just another night at the office by Murphy.
ANDERSON COMES ALIVE IN VOLLEYBALL COMPETITION FACILITY
Sophomore Florida middle blocker Cassandra Anderson (Bakersfield, Calif.) turned in the finest individual blocking performance by the Gators this season by tying her career high with 10 blocks in the team's 3-1 win against South Carolina.
A look back at the record books shows that the last time a Gator turned in 10 or more blocks, it was Anderson with 10 blocks at South Carolina on Nov. 26 of last season. Playing in Columbia's Volleyball Competition Facility has spelled success for Anderson, who has either led or tied for the team lead in blocks in 12 of the team's 14 matches this year.
Anderson currently ranks third in the league in blocks per set with an average of 1.23 rejections per set this season. That comes a year after she became the first Florida freshman since Benavia Jenkins in 2000 to lead her team in blocks per set.
ADDITIONAL MATCH ON GATORVISION ONLINE
Florida has added another match to its extensive online streaming package on GatorVision Online for the 2009 season. The Gators' Oct. 18 contest at Georgia will be aired live on GatorVision Online courtesy of GXtra at the University of Georgia through a video-sharing agreement. The match will commence at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 18 from UGA's Ramsey Student Center.
GatorVision Online is a live streaming video service available through GatorZone.com. This collaboration between the University Athletic Association and JumpTV allows users to subscribe on a monthly or yearly basis to enjoy all of the content provided.
CUSACK MEDIA SESSION QUOTES
Senior libero Elyse Cusack (Melrose, Fla.) met with members of the media on Thursday afternoon. Below are selected quotes from the session.
On Florida out-blocking South Carolina 12-5 on Wednesday …
“We've definitely focused on blocking a lot in practice. Players have been coming in early to get extra reps and practice in blocking. I think the extra attention to blocking has really been paying off in our matches.”
On how improved blocking helps the team's digging effort …
“When blocking is going well, it really reflects on our back-row play. It's great for our outside hitters and setters to be getting a lot of digs as well. If you dig balls, the other team can't score and it makes it hard for them to win if you're constantly digging balls.”
On the importance of defense in the success of a team …
“I think defense is really important, especially for me since that's the focus of my position. Great teams play great defense and if you're blocking and digging a lot of balls, you're going to be able to hold your opponents offensively.”
END OF REPORT
