Gators head coach Mary Wise's team is 26-6 heading into Sweet 16 matchup against BYU. (Photo: Allison Curry/UAA Communications)
Carter's Corner: Gators in Sweet 16, Mason's Story, Noah, Mullen on Meyer, More Tidbits
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | General, Volleyball, Scott Carter
Share:
By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- There are many who expected the Florida volleyball team's season to be over by now.
The Gators (26-6), after finishing third in the Southeastern Conference behind Kentucky and Tennessee, did not receive a national seed in the NCAA Tournament for only the third time in head coach Mary Wise's 28 seasons. That didn't stop the Gators from sweeping Florida State and Florida Gulf Coast in the first two rounds to advance to the Sweet 16. Allie Monserez
"It really gave us a lot of confidence,'' fifth-year senior setter Allie Monserez said Tuesday. "I think towards the end of SEC, we were really building that confidence back up. We were never timid in either of those matches. I think it shows how much that helps, when you are playing together and you have trust in each and every person on the court."
Meanwhile, four national seeds -- Creighton, Pittsburgh, Southern Cal and UCF -- are done for the season. As for the Gators, they are headed to Provo, Utah, to face No. 4-seed BYU on Friday night at 6:30 ET (ESPN3). The UF-BYU winner faces the Texas-Michigan winner on Saturday for a Final Four berth.
One reason for Florida's confidence boost is the return of freshman outside hitter Thayer Hall, who missed a month due to injury before returning in the regular-season finale against South Carolina. Hall's presence in Orlando last weekend helped the Gators make quick work of FSU and FGCU.
I am writing a story around Hall's return later today for FloridaGators.com, so check back this afternoon for more on the UF volleyball team's latest run in the NCAA Tournament.
For now, here are some stories of interest for Gators fans from around the internet, starting with a look at UF's next stop in the NCAA Tournament:
-- NCAA sets details for Provo Regional writes Darnell Dickson of The Provo Daily Herald. For more on the Cougars and their victory over Utah to reach their seventh consecutive Sweet 16, you can check out this story from Dickson.
-- If you didn't know, Vanderbilt football coach Derek Mason's daughter MakenzieMason plays for the Gators lacrosse team. Makenzie wrote a raw essay on her struggles with depression and a suicide attempt for ESPNW.com. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or have suicidal thoughts, take time to read Makenzie's story and seek help.
Mak, you're a beautiful, strong young woman. Continue to attack the day with all you've got because it's better with you as a part of it. Your mother, sister and I love you very much and know how special you are 🥰 https://t.co/qyGeyPxINC
-- Gators head coach Dan Mullen, a longtime assistant under Meyer and his offensive coordinator during Meyer's first four seasons at UF, released a statement on Meyer's retirement:
"I want to congratulate Urban and Shelley on a legendary career. I will always be grateful to Urban for the opportunity to join his staff at Bowling Green 18 years ago, and there were so many championships and memories along the way, including our two national championships at Florida. He is obviously a big reason why I became a Gator 14 years ago and was among the first to congratulate Megan and I when we came back to Gainesville. He has been a tremendous mentor and great friend."
-- The Gators-Michigan matchup in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is still a few weeks away, but ESPN.comoffers an early scouting report on the third meeting between the schools in the last 38 games.
