Alabama falls in 3

November 4th, 2005

Sophomore middle blockers Kisya Killingsworth and Kari Klinkenborg combined for 23 kills and six blocks while each hit above .650 as #6 Florida remained undefeated in school history vs. Alabama with a 3-0 (30-22, 30-28, 30-28) victory Friday evening at the Coleman Auxiliary Volleyball Extension.

The win moved the Gators a step closer to the program’s 15th straight Southeastern Conference title as Florida (22-2, 12-1) needs just one win to clinch at least a share of the crown and two in its last three matches to win the title outright.

The Gators swept the Crimson Tide (20-6, 8-5) for the seventh consecutive time and handed Alabama just its second loss at home in 2005 in moving to 23-0 all-time vs. the Tide. Florida finished with more kills (55-53), digs (49-38) and blocks (7.0-3.0), while out-hitting Alabama .385-.260.

“Our middles * Kisya and Kari * were awfully good tonight from both an offensive and blocking standpoint,” Florida coach Mary Wise said. “We got double-digits in points from four different players and that’s good for the Gators. For us to come out of here with a 3-0 victory we had to play well and we did.”

Sophomore setter Angie McGinnis performed well for UF with 48 assists, five kills on .625 hitting, five digs and a pair of blocks. Senior outside hitter Jane Collymore tied Killingsworth for the Gator lead in points with 14.5, while adding 12 kills. Senior libero Rachel Engel finished in double figures in digs with a match-high 14.

The Gators return to action on Sunday when Florida plays at Auburn in a Cox Sports televised match at 2:30 p.m. The contest will also be carried on WRUF-AM 850 and www.GatorZone.com.