UF’s balanced offensive attack led to the victory in straight sets

The No. 8 Florida volleyball team won its seventh straight contest after defeating the Tennessee Lady Vols in three sets on Friday afternoon in Thompson-Boling Arena.

The Gators improve to 12-2 in the 2020-21 campaign, while Tennessee falls to 6-6 on the year.

Florida took a tight first set 25-23, then battled in extras to grab the second set 29-27. The Gators held all the momentum in the final set, winning 25-16 to secure the sweep.

UF had an incredibly balanced offensive attack on Friday afternoon, with T’ara Ceasar (12) and Thayer Hall (11) combining for 23 kills.

Lauren Forte posted eight kills of her own on 15 swings, tying her season-best mark. Marlie Monserez followed with a seven-kill performance, a career-high for the junior setter.

Monserez dished out 36 assists as well, averaging 12.00 per set.

The Gators held Tennessee to a .157 clip in the match, notching 11.0 blocks at the net. Lauren Dooley and Holly Carlton led the way with five blocks apiece, while Hall pitched in two.

Freshman libero Elli McKissock led the Gators in the backcourt, registering 19 digs in the match. Monserez followed with 12, while Ceasar added 10 – both securing their fifth double-double of the season.

As a squad, Florida finished with five service aces, including two apiece from Ceasar and Hall.

The Gators return to Exactech Arena for a two-match series with Arkansas beginning on March 5. Both matches will be streamed on the SEC Network +.