Gators Celebrate Start of 2015 Campaign With Fan Day
Sunday, August 23, 2015 | Volleyball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Training camp is nearly over and the 2015 University of Florida volleyball team officially kicked off the season at Fan Day Saturday in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center with the annual Orange and Blue scrimmage, followed by an autograph session and an evening of fun at the First Serve BBQ, hosted by the Gator Attack Club.
The Gator faithful were out in full swing as the players displayed what's in the arsenal this season for the volleyball squad -- and there was a lot of talent on a refreshed and new O'Dome floor Saturday afternoon. Highlights of the Orange and Blue scrimmage included 13 slams for senior outside hitter éiva Recek, 29 assists for senior setter Mackenzie Dagostino, seven blocks for senior Simone Antwi and 16 digs apiece for senior libero Nikki O'Rourke and redshirt freshman defensive specialist Lindsey Rogers.
In the mix-and-match team affair, the Gators played out three full sets, and the fourth set turned fifth-set situational with a first-to-15 objective.
While the volleyball was awesome, it was the crowd and fans in the O'Dome that made Fan Day special. The Gator Kids Club celebrated Alberta's birthday and one lucky fan won a signed Mary Wise volleyball in anticipation of another season of great volleyball.
After 45 minutes of signing autographs for the best fans in the country, the Gators capped off the evening with the Gator Attack Club BBQ in the Touchdown Terrace at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the booster club's annual First Serve Event. With nearly 200 in attendance, all enjoyed a nice meal to kick off 2015, while the players and their families had a chance to interact with 'the team behind the team.'
Florida, ranked No. 4 in the AVCA Preseason Top-25 Poll and picked to win the SEC in the Preseason Coaches Poll, hits the road to open the season next week with matches at James Madison and American University Aug. 29 and 30. The VERT Challenge in Austin, Texas, featuring Florida, Nebraska, Oregon and Texas, as well as a business trip to Hawaii, highlight the first three weekends of non-conference play before UF debuts at home against St. John's (Sept. 17) and Sunshine State rival FSU (Sept. 20).
Single match tickets ($4), Florida volleyball season tickets ($35), Country 103.7 The Gator Gold Cards ($60) and Platinum Cards ($100) are all on sale now for the 2015-16 season.
For all University of Florida ticket information and to purchase volleyball single match and season tickets, the Gator Gold Card or Platinum Card, visit the Gator Ticket Office online or contact the Gator Ticket Office at 800-344-2867. Florida fans can additionally follow @GatorsTix on twitter.
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