Florida Volleyball Concludes Successful Orange and Blue Scrimmage
Sunday, August 23, 2009 | Volleyball
AUDIO: Mary Wise Post-Match Press Session (.MP3)
Florida's outside hitters combined for 19 kills and 22 points to highlight the team's participation at its annual Orange and Blue Scrimmage and Fan Day on Sunday at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
The Gators split into an Orange squad and a Blue squad, but due to the nature of the match as a scrimmage, players switched sides throughout the contest to prepare different combinations and match-ups. Florida played two sets to 25 points each.
“The great thing about being able to play this match is that we cannot duplicate the atmosphere in practice; at least in terms of game-like feel and nerves,” Florida head coach Mary Wise said. "This team is definitely ready to play someone other than themselves.”
With all statistics being unofficial, sophomore outside hitter Kristy Jaeckel (Littleton, Colo.) and sophomore right-side/setter Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Ill.) each tallied a match-high eight kills. Murphy hit .538 for the match, while junior outside hitter Callie Rivers (Winter Park, Fla.) had seven kills on .467 hitting.
“I was impressed in terms of how physically our outsides, Kristy Jaeckel, Callie Rivers and Colleen Ward are playing right know,” Wise said. “I think it is most evident in those three players and how hard they trained over the summer really shows. We know what Kelly Murphy is able to do as well and now, as a sophomore, she's so much stronger than she was a year ago. I think we are going to be very physical at the pins and we are going to be quick and high-flying in the middle.”
Senior libero Elyse Cusack (Melrose, Fla.) posted 11 digs in the two-set match, while junior setter Brynja Rodgers (Iowa City, Iowa) dished out 25 assists.
Prior to the team's Orange and Blue Scrimmage, Gator players and coaches signed autographs of the official 2009 team poster for nearly 75 minutes at the O'Connell Center.
Florida opens its 2009 season on Friday, Aug. 28, when it plays host to UNLV on the opening night of the Campus USA Credit Union Invitational. Opening serve is set for 7 p.m. EST.
The University of Florida is home to the 2009 NCAA Volleyball Regional. To order 2009 regular season and NCAA Regional tickets, log on to www.GatorZone.com/tickets. Follow Florida Volleyball on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GatorZoneVB and Coach Mary Wise on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GatorMary.
POST-MATCH QUOTES
Florida Head Coach Mary Wise
“The great thing about being able to play this match is that we cannot duplicate the atmosphere in practice; at least in terms of game-like feel and nerves. This team is definitely ready to play someone else.”
On what she was impressed by in Sunday's scrimmage …
“I was impressed in terms of how physically our outsides, Kristy Jaeckel, Callie Rivers and Colleen Ward are playing right know. I think it is most evident in those three players and how hard they trained over the summer really shows. We know what Kelly Murphy is able to do as well and now, as a sophomore, she's so much stronger than she was a year ago. I think we are going to be very physical at the pins and we are going to be quick and high-flying in the middle.”
On the importance of the team's senior class …
“I think much of our success will flow through the play of Kristina Johnson. Last year at this time, KJ played in this match, but she had just been cleared to play. There was a serve today when Elyse [Cusack] didn't pass perfectly and I heard a gasp out of the fans. That shows you the expectations they have of her and her play that she has created by how hard she makes each night. She makes everyone around her better. She assumes the leadership role and plays with a lot of emotional energy.”
On sophomore outside hitter Kristy Jaeckel …
“The beauty of her redshirting is that we still have three more years of her. She has worked awfully hard to improve her game and her strength to get here.”
#6 Kristy Jaeckel, OH
On the benefit of Sunday's Orange and Blue Scrimmage …
“Today was a very good opportunity for us to show our fans what we did in the off-season, but also a chance to get used to playing in the O'Dome. We're ready for Friday night. I think it went really well for us as a team and we have improved a lot. The game also brings out the things we need to keep working on to be successful.”
On the team's off-season improvements …
“This summer, we were able to improve a lot and I think having the whole team here really gave us a chance to work out and get better.”
On the team's toughness …
“Our team is very tough. We just dig our nose in and make plays. Even in practice, if we miss one point, our team will step up their play. Being out here definitely made us up our playing level. Everyone needs to continue getting comfortable playing with each other and we will keep improving.”
#7 Elyse Cusack, L
On Sunday's Orange and Blue Scrimmage …
“The Orange and Blue Match is a fun time for us to play in front of fans, play against each other and have fun. Not everyone gets the chance to play in front of such great fans, so we consider ourselves very lucky. There's no better place to be. I'm excited to start the season and excited for what's to come.”
On Florida's pre-conference schedule …
“Our first few weekends are big. We have some really good opponents to play and the matches are really important for us.”
END OF REPORT
