Gators easily defeat Ole Miss

November 8th, 2006

Junior outside hitter Marcie Hampton recorded 18 kills on .385 hitting as the seventh-ranked University of Florida volleyball team won its 15th straight match by beating Mississippi 3-0 (30-15, 30-16, 30-24) before a crowd of 1,497 on Wednesday evening at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.

Florida (23-2 overall, 16-1 SEC) moved within one victory of clinching at least a share of what would be its 16th consecutive SEC title with the Gators needing only two wins to claim the title outright. The victory was the 24th straight in the series against the Rebels (16-12, 7-10), who entered the contest having won four of their last six matches. The Gators ended the match with more kills (58-34), digs (64-52) and blocks (12.5-0.0), while out-hitting Mississippi .395-.085.

“It’s a pretty good feeling to know that we control our own destiny in the SEC,” Florida coach Mary Wise said. “We were thrilled to be back home after our four-match road trip. Our attendance and the fans were great tonight for this time of the year. Marcie and Stefanie both played well for us tonight and were big factors in the win.”

Freshman Elyse Cusack picked up 16 digs and moved into eighth place in Florida history for single season digs with 395. Senior opposite hitter Stefanie Douglas came off the bench to reach double figures in digs for the fourth time in her career with 10 kills, while adding a career best six total blocks. Junior setter Angie McGinnis guided the Gators to a .395 hitting percentage and racked up 49 assists, eight digs, six kills and four blocks. Junior Kisya Killingsworth picked up 11 kills on .296 hitting to finish in double figures for the eighth consecutive match.

Freshman middle blocker Kristina Johnson also fared well for the Gators with eight kills and five blocks, while senior defensive specialist Rhian Davis chipped in with 11 digs.

Florida returns to action on Sunday when the Gators host Mississippi State at 1 p.m. at the O’Connell Center. If Florida’s soccer team advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the contest will be carried on Rock 104. If the soccer team fails to advance, the volleyball team’s match will air on WRUF-Am 850. Either way, it will also be carried on www.GatorZone.com and via GatorVision Online.