Kelsey key in victory over Alabama

September 24th, 2006

Sophomore middle blocker Kelsey Bowers became the first Florida player in nearly two years to reach double figures in blocks in leading the 10th-ranked Gators to a sweep of Alabama (30-28, 30-18, 30-17) before a crowd of 2,025 fans on Sunday at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.

The Gators (10-2 overall, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) recorded a season-high 16.0 blocks in just three games, while improving to 25-0 all-time against the Crimson Tide (7-6, 2-2). Florida finished with more kills (43-37), digs (49-45), aces (7-3) and blocks (16.0-7.5), while out-hitting Alabama .264-.083.

“The key to the match was winning game one,” Florida coach Mary Wise said. “We won that game because of great blocking and support from the crowd. That was really critical. Our game plan was that the key to beating Alabama was to keep their great middle blocker and great outside hitter in check and we were able to do that.”

Bowers ended the match with 10 total blocks (3 solo, 7 assists), while adding five kills. A UF player hadn’t reach double-figures in blocks since Michelle Chatman recorded 12.0 vs. Tennessee in five games on Nov. 21, 2004. Junior Kisya Killingsworth led all players with 12 kills and 13.0 points, while junior setter Angie McGinnis finished with 36 assists, six digs, five block assists and four kills. McGinnis broke the record for block assists in a career by a setter in surpassing the old mark of 205 by Jen Sanchez).

Junior opposite hitter Amber McCray chimed in with nine kills on .368 hitting with four block assists, while junior outside hitter Marcie Hampton paced the Gators with 11 digs and also recorded eight kills on .364 hitting.

Florida returns to action on Friday, Sept. 29 when the Gators travel to Lexington to face Kentucky in an 8 p.m. (ET) start. UF will turn around and come home to face #17 Tennessee at 1 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Oct. 1. Both matches will be carried live on WRUF-AM 850 and www.GatorZone.com, while the Tennessee matchup will be available on GatorVision Online.