Friday, October 21
Gainesville, Fla.
6:00 PM
Mississippi State
at
Florida
The Bulldogs travel to Gainesville for a Friday night showdown against the No. 10 Florida Gators.
MSU Set For Friday Night Clash At No. 10 Florida
October 20, 2016 | Volleyball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – A three-match road trip will come to a close on Friday in Gainesville, as the Mississippi State Bulldogs (11-10, 3-4 SEC) will take on the 10th-ranked Florida Gators (16-2, 6-1 SEC) at the Lemerand Athletic Center.
First serve is set for 6 p.m. CT and will be featured on the SEC Network +. Tom Collett and Missy Whittemore Fans can access the broadcast through WatchESPN.com or the ESPN app.
State will be looking to make history on Friday night, as the Dogs have never defeated the Gators. Florida holds a 6-0 advantage in the series, including 22-0 mark in Gainesville.
"Tomorrow night is a perfect chance for us to bounce out of this slump we're in and make some history in the process," MSU coach David McFatrich said. "Florida is one of the household names in collegiate volleyball and we know this is a tough task, but we've said from the beginning that we're not going to shy away from playing the powerhouse teams. We had a great practice today and I'm confident that this team is up to the challenge."
A win would also mark the second victory in school history against a ranked opponent, with the other coming against No. 25 Kentucky in 2011.
The Bulldogs have been a well-balanced machine so far in 2016, impressing on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. State currently stands second in the SEC in blocks (187.5) and aces (119), while holding on to third place in the league in kills (1,111) and assists (1,032).
Individually, the Dogs have been led by an array of players this year, starting on the attack with senior Evie Grace Singleton. Singleton is the team's leader in aces (39), points (391.5) and kills (336). She leads the conference and is fifth nationally in total aces, while standing second in the SEC in points (16th NCAA) and kills (21st).
Along with Singleton, freshman Emily Hill has been a major key for the Bulldog offense, coming in second on the team with 252 kills. That total is second amongst all SEC freshmen and stands seventh in the MSU freshman record books.
Helping fuel the Bulldog attack is sophomore setter Blossom Sato, whose 616 assists leads MSU. She has recorded 40-plus assists in five of the last six matches and six total this season, matching the number she had in 2015. She has also bumped her career total up to 1,488, which stands 10th all time at State.
On the other side of the net, the Bulldogs' blocking prowess has been spearheaded by senior Jazmyne Johnson. With 100 blocks, Johnson is second in the SEC and 23rd in the nation. She is the first Bulldog since Lainey Wyman in 2011 to record a 100-plus block season.
Rounding out the MSU lineup is the play of Cheyenne Spell and Payton Harris, who lead the team with 257 and 247 digs, respectively.
State will return home to close out the weekend, hosting the Tennessee Volunteers (13-7, 3-4 SEC) on Sunday, Oct. 23 at Newell-Grissom. First serve is set for 2 p.m. CT on ESPNU, with Melissa Lee and Jennifer Hoffman on the call. The contest is a rematch of the 2016 SEC opener for the Dogs, when they swept the Vols in Knoxville.
Match Day Info…
Friday, Oct. 21
Mississippi State (11-10, 3-4 SEC) at No. 10 Florida (16-2, 6-1 SEC) – 6 p.m. CT
SEC Network + (Tom Collett & Missy Whittemore)
Gainesville, Fla.
Lemerand Athletic Center
Last Time Out…
It was a week filled with thrilling matches, as the Bulldogs began a three-match road trip in the state of Alabama. State opened up a Wednesday night showdown at Alabama with a first-set victory, but dropped the next three to fall, 3-1. Sunday was a back-and-forth battle, with the Auburn Tigers narrowly pulling out a five-set victory at Auburn Arena.
Wednesday, Oct. 12
Alabama def. Mississippi State, 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21)
Sunday, Oct. 16
Auburn def. Mississippi State, 3-2 (26-24, 23-25, 25-22, 23-25, 15-11)
Leading The Bulldogs…
Kills: Evie Grace Singleton, 336
Assists: Blossom Sato, 616
Aces: Evie Grace Singleton, 39
Digs: Cheyenne Spell, 257
Blocks: Jazmyne Johnson, 100
Points: Evie Grace Singleton, 391.5
A Bulldog Win Would…
Series History…
Overall: Florida leads, 46-0
In Gainesville: Florida leads, 22-0
Last Meeting: Florida 3, Mississippi State 0 (Nov. 6, 2015 in Gainesville)
Current Streak: Florida, +46
Scouting The Florida Gators…
No. 10 Florida is 16-2 on the year, with a 6-1 record in the SEC. The Gators are riding a four-match winning streak and recently swept LSU and defeated Texas A&M 3-1 last weekend on the road.
Alex Holston paces the Gators with 221 kills, while Carli Snyder is close behind with 216. Allie Monserez leads the team with 704 assists and was recently named the AVCA National Player of the Week. Caroline Knop leads the team with 248 digs, while Rhamat Alhassan tops the team with 78 blocks.
MSU Looks For First Win Against Florida In Program History…
A win on Friday would be one of the biggest in program history, as it would mark the first win against Florida in 47 matches and the first in Gainesville in 23 contests. It would also be State's second win against a ranked opponent and first since downing No. 25 Kentucky in 2011.
Magic Number Down To Six…
The countdown to a second-straight winning season is on for the Bulldogs. MSU's magic number is down to six for a winning season, which would put the Dogs at 17 wins for the year. It would mark the second-straight winning season for just the third time in school history and for the first since 2005-06.
Nine more wins would put MSU at 20 wins on the year, the first time that feat has been accomplished since 1989. It would also be just the fourth time in program history the Dogs have won 20 matches.
Winning The Attacking Battle Is Crucial ...
To say coming out on top in the hitting percentage battle is key for the Bulldogs may be an understatement. MSU is undefeated this year when out-hitting its opponent and is 1-10 when losing the attacking battle. MSU took down Tennessee in its SEC opener for its first win when losing the attacking battle, hitting .204 to the Volunteers' .278.
The First Set Is The Key ...
One early trend discovered with the 2016 Bulldogs lies within the first set. State is 9-3 when capturing the first set, but when 2-7 when unable to do so. Winning the first two sets almost assures the Bulldogs of victory, as they are 7-1 this year when doing so.
State Bringing Blocking Back In Style ...
MSU has excelled in a number of statistical categories this season, but none have been better than the Bulldogs' blocking game. State has tallied nine double-digit block performances this season so far and have earned 187.5 total. The nine matches with 10-plus blocks are the most in a season since recording nine in 2011.
Back To Dropping Double-Doubles ...
Blossom Sato paced the Bulldogs with five double-doubles last season and she's going back to work again in 2016. With 45 assists and 16 digs on Sept. 30 against Auburn, the sophomore setter tallied her fourth double-double of the season and eighth of her career.
Johnson Top On The Block ...
Senior Jazmyne Johnson has been a stud so far this year defensively, leading MSU's blocking presence with 100 total. She is the first Bulldog since Lainey Wyman in 2011 to record 100 total blocks in a season.
Hill Putting Together Impressive Freshman Campaign…
Through 21 matches, Emily Hill has put together one of the more impressive freshman campaigns this season. With 252 kills, Hill is second amongst all freshmen in the SEC. She now has the seventh-most kills in a season by an MSU freshman and the eighth-most attacks (660).
Sato Cracks Career Assists Top 10…
She's just a sophomore, but already making moves in the MSU record book. After earning 44 assists on Sunday, Blossom Sato moved her career total to 1,488. She stands 40 away from tying for ninth place.
Live Broadcast…
Friday's match will be broadcast digitally on SEC Network +. Fans can access the broadcast through WatchESPN.com, the ESPN app or by clicking the link below.
Mississippi State at No. 10 Florida SEC Network + Broadcast
Live Stats…
Florida will provide live stats for Friday night's contest. Fans can access them through the link below.
Mississippi State at No. 10 Florida Live Stats
Admission…
There are no tickets available for Friday's match, as tickets for the 2016 Florida volleyball season have sold out.
Up Next…
The Bulldogs will return home to The Griss to close out the weekend, hosting the Tennessee Volunteers (13-7, 3-4 SEC) at 2 p.m. CT. The match will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU, with Melissa Lee and Jennifer Hoffman on the call. Sunday will be a rematch of a 3-0 Bulldog victory earlier in the season in Knoxville, when State won its first SEC opener since 2006.
Social Media…
For more information on Mississippi State volleyball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateVB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
First serve is set for 6 p.m. CT and will be featured on the SEC Network +. Tom Collett and Missy Whittemore Fans can access the broadcast through WatchESPN.com or the ESPN app.
State will be looking to make history on Friday night, as the Dogs have never defeated the Gators. Florida holds a 6-0 advantage in the series, including 22-0 mark in Gainesville.
"Tomorrow night is a perfect chance for us to bounce out of this slump we're in and make some history in the process," MSU coach David McFatrich said. "Florida is one of the household names in collegiate volleyball and we know this is a tough task, but we've said from the beginning that we're not going to shy away from playing the powerhouse teams. We had a great practice today and I'm confident that this team is up to the challenge."
A win would also mark the second victory in school history against a ranked opponent, with the other coming against No. 25 Kentucky in 2011.
The Bulldogs have been a well-balanced machine so far in 2016, impressing on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. State currently stands second in the SEC in blocks (187.5) and aces (119), while holding on to third place in the league in kills (1,111) and assists (1,032).
Individually, the Dogs have been led by an array of players this year, starting on the attack with senior Evie Grace Singleton. Singleton is the team's leader in aces (39), points (391.5) and kills (336). She leads the conference and is fifth nationally in total aces, while standing second in the SEC in points (16th NCAA) and kills (21st).
Along with Singleton, freshman Emily Hill has been a major key for the Bulldog offense, coming in second on the team with 252 kills. That total is second amongst all SEC freshmen and stands seventh in the MSU freshman record books.
Helping fuel the Bulldog attack is sophomore setter Blossom Sato, whose 616 assists leads MSU. She has recorded 40-plus assists in five of the last six matches and six total this season, matching the number she had in 2015. She has also bumped her career total up to 1,488, which stands 10th all time at State.
On the other side of the net, the Bulldogs' blocking prowess has been spearheaded by senior Jazmyne Johnson. With 100 blocks, Johnson is second in the SEC and 23rd in the nation. She is the first Bulldog since Lainey Wyman in 2011 to record a 100-plus block season.
Rounding out the MSU lineup is the play of Cheyenne Spell and Payton Harris, who lead the team with 257 and 247 digs, respectively.
State will return home to close out the weekend, hosting the Tennessee Volunteers (13-7, 3-4 SEC) on Sunday, Oct. 23 at Newell-Grissom. First serve is set for 2 p.m. CT on ESPNU, with Melissa Lee and Jennifer Hoffman on the call. The contest is a rematch of the 2016 SEC opener for the Dogs, when they swept the Vols in Knoxville.
Match Day Info…
Friday, Oct. 21
Mississippi State (11-10, 3-4 SEC) at No. 10 Florida (16-2, 6-1 SEC) – 6 p.m. CT
SEC Network + (Tom Collett & Missy Whittemore)
Gainesville, Fla.
Lemerand Athletic Center
Last Time Out…
It was a week filled with thrilling matches, as the Bulldogs began a three-match road trip in the state of Alabama. State opened up a Wednesday night showdown at Alabama with a first-set victory, but dropped the next three to fall, 3-1. Sunday was a back-and-forth battle, with the Auburn Tigers narrowly pulling out a five-set victory at Auburn Arena.
Wednesday, Oct. 12
Alabama def. Mississippi State, 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-21)
Sunday, Oct. 16
Auburn def. Mississippi State, 3-2 (26-24, 23-25, 25-22, 23-25, 15-11)
Leading The Bulldogs…
Kills: Evie Grace Singleton, 336
Assists: Blossom Sato, 616
Aces: Evie Grace Singleton, 39
Digs: Cheyenne Spell, 257
Blocks: Jazmyne Johnson, 100
Points: Evie Grace Singleton, 391.5
A Bulldog Win Would…
- Be their first-ever victory against Florida (0-46, 0-22 in Gainesville)
- Mark the second win against a ranked program in school history and first since defeating No. 25 Kentucky, 3-0, on Oct. 14, 2011
- Tie for ninth for most SEC wins in a season (4)
- Put them six wins away from securing their second-straight winning season for the third time in school history and first since 2005-06
Series History…
Overall: Florida leads, 46-0
In Gainesville: Florida leads, 22-0
Last Meeting: Florida 3, Mississippi State 0 (Nov. 6, 2015 in Gainesville)
Current Streak: Florida, +46
Scouting The Florida Gators…
No. 10 Florida is 16-2 on the year, with a 6-1 record in the SEC. The Gators are riding a four-match winning streak and recently swept LSU and defeated Texas A&M 3-1 last weekend on the road.
Alex Holston paces the Gators with 221 kills, while Carli Snyder is close behind with 216. Allie Monserez leads the team with 704 assists and was recently named the AVCA National Player of the Week. Caroline Knop leads the team with 248 digs, while Rhamat Alhassan tops the team with 78 blocks.
MSU Looks For First Win Against Florida In Program History…
A win on Friday would be one of the biggest in program history, as it would mark the first win against Florida in 47 matches and the first in Gainesville in 23 contests. It would also be State's second win against a ranked opponent and first since downing No. 25 Kentucky in 2011.
Magic Number Down To Six…
The countdown to a second-straight winning season is on for the Bulldogs. MSU's magic number is down to six for a winning season, which would put the Dogs at 17 wins for the year. It would mark the second-straight winning season for just the third time in school history and for the first since 2005-06.
Nine more wins would put MSU at 20 wins on the year, the first time that feat has been accomplished since 1989. It would also be just the fourth time in program history the Dogs have won 20 matches.
Winning The Attacking Battle Is Crucial ...
To say coming out on top in the hitting percentage battle is key for the Bulldogs may be an understatement. MSU is undefeated this year when out-hitting its opponent and is 1-10 when losing the attacking battle. MSU took down Tennessee in its SEC opener for its first win when losing the attacking battle, hitting .204 to the Volunteers' .278.
The First Set Is The Key ...
One early trend discovered with the 2016 Bulldogs lies within the first set. State is 9-3 when capturing the first set, but when 2-7 when unable to do so. Winning the first two sets almost assures the Bulldogs of victory, as they are 7-1 this year when doing so.
State Bringing Blocking Back In Style ...
MSU has excelled in a number of statistical categories this season, but none have been better than the Bulldogs' blocking game. State has tallied nine double-digit block performances this season so far and have earned 187.5 total. The nine matches with 10-plus blocks are the most in a season since recording nine in 2011.
Back To Dropping Double-Doubles ...
Blossom Sato paced the Bulldogs with five double-doubles last season and she's going back to work again in 2016. With 45 assists and 16 digs on Sept. 30 against Auburn, the sophomore setter tallied her fourth double-double of the season and eighth of her career.
Johnson Top On The Block ...
Senior Jazmyne Johnson has been a stud so far this year defensively, leading MSU's blocking presence with 100 total. She is the first Bulldog since Lainey Wyman in 2011 to record 100 total blocks in a season.
Hill Putting Together Impressive Freshman Campaign…
Through 21 matches, Emily Hill has put together one of the more impressive freshman campaigns this season. With 252 kills, Hill is second amongst all freshmen in the SEC. She now has the seventh-most kills in a season by an MSU freshman and the eighth-most attacks (660).
Sato Cracks Career Assists Top 10…
She's just a sophomore, but already making moves in the MSU record book. After earning 44 assists on Sunday, Blossom Sato moved her career total to 1,488. She stands 40 away from tying for ninth place.
Live Broadcast…
Friday's match will be broadcast digitally on SEC Network +. Fans can access the broadcast through WatchESPN.com, the ESPN app or by clicking the link below.
Mississippi State at No. 10 Florida SEC Network + Broadcast
Live Stats…
Florida will provide live stats for Friday night's contest. Fans can access them through the link below.
Mississippi State at No. 10 Florida Live Stats
Admission…
There are no tickets available for Friday's match, as tickets for the 2016 Florida volleyball season have sold out.
Up Next…
The Bulldogs will return home to The Griss to close out the weekend, hosting the Tennessee Volunteers (13-7, 3-4 SEC) at 2 p.m. CT. The match will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU, with Melissa Lee and Jennifer Hoffman on the call. Sunday will be a rematch of a 3-0 Bulldog victory earlier in the season in Knoxville, when State won its first SEC opener since 2006.
Social Media…
For more information on Mississippi State volleyball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateVB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
Players Mentioned
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