UF Volleyball: Gators Sweep Eagles in Second Round of NCAA Tournament

Courtesy of University Athletic Association

BY KATIE CALLAHAN

Florida advances to its 27th Regional Semifinal after defeating Morehead State in straight sets

The eighth-seeded Florida volleyball team took down the Morehead State Eagles in straight sets in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday afternoon in the Chi Health Center Convention Center.

The Gators improve to 20-3 on the year and move on to the program’s 27th Regional Semifinal, while Morehead State’s season comes to a close at 17-2 overall.

Florida took the first set by a commanding margin, winning 25-14, and followed with a 25-19 victory in the second. The Gators secured the match with a 25-19 win in the final frame.

The Gators were led offensively by Thayer Hall, who posted 10 kills on the evening. Holly Carlton and Lauren Forte pitched in nine kills apiece, while T’ara Ceasar added eight of her own.

Both Carlton (9-2-15, .467) and Forte (9-2-14, .500) hit over .450 on the night.

Marlie Monserez anchored Florida’s offense, dishing out 32 assists in the three-set match while leading UF to a .303 clip.

The Gators held Morehead State to just a .073 clip on the evening, while adding 8.0 blocks at the net. Lauren Dooley and Forte each posted a team-high four blocks, while Monserez and Carlton tallied three apiece in the win.

Elli McKissock registered 12 digs in the three-setter, while Hall added 11 of her own for her third double-double of the season. Ceasar followed with eight digs of her own in the victory.

As a squad, the Gators recorded eight service aces, led by a team-best three from Holly Carlton. Thayer Hall and Paige Hammons each posted two service aces of their own in the win.

The Gators face the nine-seed Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday in the Regional Semifinal, with a time to be determined after all of the second round matches are completed.