Gators sweep second-ranked Stanford

PALO ALTO, Calif. – The No. 8 Florida volleyball team took down the second-ranked team in the nation on Tuesday night, defeating the Stanford Cardinal in straight sets.

The Gators improve to 3-0 for the fourth-straight season and the 27th time in program history with the victory tonight.

This is the seventh victory for Florida over a Top-2 team in program history, with the last sweep against a Top-2 team being Sept. 7, 2002 against No. 1 Stanford.

The Gators took the first set 25-17 to open up the match, then won a thrilling 29-27 victory in the second to take the 2-0 lead. Florida claimed the match with a come-from-behind 25-23 win in the final frame.

Florida’s offensive attack was led by Kennedy Martin for the third-straight match, with the freshman right side tallying 16 kills with a 394 clip. Sofia Victoria and Kira Hutson each added nine kills in the victory, while middles Gabrielle Essix and Anna Dixon posted five apiece.

Sophomore setter Alexis Stucky led the squad to a .324 clip in the three-setter, dishing out 34 assists.

Martin and Dixon recorded four and two blocks, respectively in the win.

The backcourt defense was led by Stucky’s 12 digs – her first double-double of the season and sixth of her career. Elli McKissock and Trinity Adams each followed with eight digs apiece, while Emily Canaan added five.

Behind the service line, Martin (2), Canaan (1) and Adams (1) each registered at least one ace.