Gators Win in the Long Haul

by Coach Stacy Dahl

The Gators squeaked out their second 5 set win of the season vs Sacred Heart.  Set one felt much like a warm up game.  Neither team was ripping it up on the court.  Energy was incredibly lacking and feet weren't moving to the ball.  The Gators held off a late Eagle surge to win 25-23.  Set 2 was much more Gator dominated.  The Gator servers did a nice job from the service line to serve the Eagles out of system and keep the ball away from their middle hitter.  Gator hitters were able to find the court to score 11 kills in the set, and several players made outstanding scrappy plays to keep intensity and energy going.  Rachel Peterson did a nice job closing out the set with 5 serves in a row, three of them out of system to win 25-15.  Up 2-0, the Gators needed to keep the pressure on the Eagles, but the Eagles livened up their game.  Their outside hitters were unstoppable and the Gator defense struggled to pick up the ball.  The Gators fell 18-25.  The Gators had their chances late in the set but couldn't capitalize and lost 2-25.  The tell all fifth set went the Gator way as they came out swinging.  Missing the first milestone, the Gators were able to get the next one 10-7 and were able to go the distance.  The Gators continued to strategically serve to take out the middle and found a way to win 15-11.  Nine of their 15 points were earned by kills, aces, or blocks, a nice way to earn the win.


Emily Anderson and Carly Mekash both had 11 kills to lead the charge; Anderson had 2 service aces as well.  Brenna Dallager had another solid night with 8 kills and 23 assists.    Maddi Janicke and Megan Larson had 6 kills each.  Taylor Becker had the hot serving hand with 4 service aces.

The Gators continue to look to make their weaknesses their strengths as they compete against the strong teams of Section 8A.  Excellence is no accident.  It requires a team effort, hard work, and the will the win.  Continue to "strive for excellence" and give your best effort---this is how champions are made.  Goooooo Gators!