JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - From the opening to final whistle, UNF volleyball (6-0) held firm control of the match as it swept Davidson (3-2) en route to the UNF Invitational crown Sunday, Sept. 5.
The Ospreys hit .326 while holding the Wildcats to merely -.038 hitting and 20 errors. Conversely, North Florida put up 40 kills to Davidson's 17, served up nine aces while holding Davidson to two and outblocked the 'Cats by seven.
Solimar Cestero was named tournament MVP, while
Gabby O'Connell and
Rocio Moro were named to the all-tournament squad.
UNF only needed 88 minutes to earn its second sweep of the season.
UNF 3, Davidson 0 (25-9, 25-19, 25-11)
Inside the Sets
- Set 1: UNF scored the match's first point and never looked back in the first session, holding the advantage the whole frame … up 13-8, UNF rattled off a 10-0 run off of Julianna Askew's serve, sealing the fate for set one … the Ospreys hit .519 in set one.
- Set 2: The Ospreys took a strong grasp of the match by continuing strong play in the second set … North Florida played all-round ball, hitting .297 with 16 kills, holding Davidson to eight kills on .097 hitting … Cestero tallied six kills, Kaily McKnight came through and posted four kills and Bre Walp got in on three blocks.
- Set 3: Despite a match-low .160 hitting percentage, UNF dominated defensively and on the service line, finishing things in three … UNF ushered Davidson into nine attack errors, two service errors and only 11 points in the third … Askew set the tone on the serve once more, dishing out three straight to help set the momentum … North Florida never trailed in the third frame.
Leaders By the Numbers
Davidson
- Hattie Rodriguez | 7 kills, .353 hitting
- Bella Brady | 12 digs
- Xuan Nguyen | 8 assists
UNF
Notes
- North Florida is one win shy of tying its best start to a season since 2003.
- The Ospreys have won back-to-back non-conference tournaments.
- UNF posted season highs in hitting percentage and aces (tied).
- The Ospreys are 2-0 all-time against Davidson.
- The match lasted just one hour and 22 minutes
Wright's Words
"Defense first [was the key today]. We had a great first touch, we were in the right places at the right time and I felt like our preparation was very solid. I thought that our offense did an outstanding job. Our setters did a great job spreading the ball, setting the right people at the right time. We were on fire at all cylinders, and this is what we want to be like in the end. It was a good day to see it come together."
Up Next
North Florida opens TCU's Fight in the Fort against Houston Baptist Thursday, September 9.
