Gators sweep Hawai'i

September 1st, 2006

Junior outside hitter Marcie Hampton tallied a double-double with 14 kills and 12 digs, while freshman libero Elyse Cusack recorded a match-high 21 digs in leading #5 Florida to a sweep of #7 Hawai’i (30-20, 30-26, 30-23) on the first day of the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Classic before a crowd of 8,138 fans at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The Gators (3-0) swept Hawai’i (2-1) at home for just the 18^th time in the Rainbow Wahine’s 33-year-plus history and handed UH its first loss on the opening day of the Wahine Classic – a tournament that typically features ranked teams throughout the nation and is in its 19^th edition.

“This match looked like an early season match for both teams,” Florida head coach Mary Wise said. “Neither team was in mid-season form. We were fortunate that we got blocks early on and did a great job of establishing that. We drilled our players all week about being focused – whether it was starting or finishing a game – and they responded well tonight.”

Florida out-hit Hawai’i .287-.096 and finished with more kills (43-42), digs (57-47) aces (4-1) and blocks (12.0-6.0). Coming off the second triple-double of her career last week, junior setter Angie McGinnis has a solid showing with 37 assists, six digs and four blocks. Junior opposite hitter Amber McCray added 10 kills on .350 hitting with four blocks, while sophomore middle blocker Kelsey Bowers chimed in with six kills and six blocks. Senior defensive specialist Rhian Davis also reached double figures with 11 digs.

Florida spoiled Hawai’i coach Dave Shoji’s bid to become just the second coach in NCAA history to amass 900 career wins as the Gators won their fourth-consecutive match in the series.

Florida returns to action Saturday, Sept. 2 when the Gators face #10 UCLA (4-0) at 10:30 p.m. (ET). The match will be joined in progress on WRUF-AM 850 following the conclusion of the Florida football post game show. The contest can also be heard on www.GatorZone.com.