Florida falls in 4
December 8th, 2006
Junior Kisya Killingsworth tied for the match-high with 16 kills before a Florida NCAA Regional record crowd of 4,180 fans, but it wasn’t enough as strong serving propelled the #8 seed Minnesota to a 3-1 win (23-30, 30-25, 21-30, 26-20) on Saturday at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
Florida ended the season with a 30-3 record in falling at home in the NCAA Championship for the first time since 1995. Minnesota finished the match with more kills (66-58), aces (13-2) and digs (67-61), while the Gators out-blocked the Gophers 10.0-9.0.
“The difference in this match was how well Minnesota played, particularly their serving,” Florida coach Mary Wise said. “We had trouble with their serve all night. The loss hurts. There’s only one team who gets to end on a win, but what this team has accomplished – to win an SEC Championship – I can’t say enough about what this Florida team has accomplished.”
Junior outside hitter Marcie Hampton collected a double-double with 13 kills and 12 digs, while freshman libero Elyse Cusack tied for the match high with 23 digs. Junior setter Angie McGinnis had 48 assists, six kills on .417 hitting and five digs. Sophomore middle blocker Kelsey Bowers recorded 10 kills five blocks and five digs.
Florida capped its 2006 season by reaching 30 wins for the 12th time in 16 seasons under Wise. The Gators also claimed the program’s 16th consecutive Southeastern Conference title to match a conference record.
