After winning eight straight matches, the University of Florida volleyball team (8-1) leads the Southeastern Conference heading into conference play. Led by five seniors and three juniors, the No. 3 Gators swept No. 20 Minnesota, last weekend.
Following right behind the Gators with a 7-2 non-conference record is Kentucky.
Even with 18 kills and 20 digs from senior Liz McCaslin, Kentucky suffered its second loss last weekend to Virginia, who also took a win from LSU this season. The Wildcats’ loss to Virginia ended a seven-game winning streak for Kentucky.
Tennessee stands next to Kentucky in the SEC East as the Volunteers also post a 7-2 record. Tennessee’s six-game winning streak was broken by Michigan, who took five games to beat the Vols.
Georgia (5-3) ranks No. 5 in the Eastern Division while South Carolina (4-5) fits in at No. 6.
Auburn tops the SEC West with a 6-3 record and a big part of their record is because of reigning SEC Player of the Week Ashlee Johns.
Johns was awarded the honor after she set an Auburn school record for hitting percentage in a match with a .773 percentage against Delaware State. She also posted 4.56 kills per game during the Lafayette College Tournament, leading the Auburn Tigers to their second straight tournament victory.
Alabama ranks No. 3 in the West just above LSU with a 3-5 record. The Crimson Tide return home for their season opener after playing eight straight on the road. Alabama dropped three straight matches to No. 21 Louisville last Friday.
A young LSU team hopes having played high-quality teams like No. 12 Kansas State and defending Conference USA Champions South Florida will prepare them for tough conference opponents such as Florida.
“It’s always hard to lose but it’s really valuable experience especially when it comes to SEC finals,” said LSU junior setter Beth Cowley.
LSU (3-6) opens conference play Sept. 24 at home against Arkansas. The Razorbacks (6-4) currently are ranked No. 2 in the SEC West while LSU is No. 4.
Mississippi State (1-8) and Ole Miss (1-9) stand No. 5 and No. 6 in the division. Mississippi State is on a five game losing streak, while Ole Miss has lost 2 in a row.
Volleyball set for conference play
September 17, 2003