University of Missouri
13-1
Florida
9-3
@MizzouVB Completes Thrilling Comeback In SEC Opener, Claims 3-2 Win Over No. 9 Florida
9/30/2015 11:00:00 PM | Volleyball
Down 2-0, Tigers reel off three consecutive sets to stun Gators
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Volleyball opened its Southeastern Conference schedule in style Wednesday as it rallied from a 2-0 deficit and produced a thrilling 3-2 (22-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-10) victory over No. 9 Florida.
"That was as an exciting of a match as you can get," head coach Wayne Kreklow said. "We struggled the first two sets and made some uncharacteristic errors. Even though we were still down early in the third set, I was blown away by the resiliency and hard work that we continued to show. We finally came together and fed off each other's emotions the rest of the way. I'm so proud of this team. We never gave up. What a way to start the SEC season."
Tonight's comeback victory after falling behind 0-2 is the Tigers' first since 2012. Mizzou rallied from the same deficit on Sept. 12, 2012, against 17th ranked Tenessee at the Hearnes Center. Wednesday evening also marked Mizzou's first victory over a top-10 opponent since its 3-0 win at No. 5 Florida on Nov. 15, 2013.
Three Tigers finished with double-digit kills against the Gators. Junior Carly Kan (Honolulu, Hawaii) tallied 17, junior Julia Towler (Blue Springs, Mo.) finished with 10 and senior Regan Peltier (Nixa, Mo.) produced 12. Kan also produced 13 digs, marking her eighth double-double of the season.
Sophomore setting duo of Courtney Eckenrode (The Woodlands, Texas) and Ali Kreklow (Columbia, Mo.) helped key the Tiger comeback with 20 and 25 assists, respectively. Kreklow also chipped in 12 digs for the Tigers, giving her three double-doubles on the year.
For the sixth time this season, Mizzou finished with double-digit blocks. Tonight's 11 stops at the net played a big role into the team's comeback victory. Freshman Alyssa Munlyn (Suwanee, Ga.) paced the Tigers with six total blocks for the evening.
UP NEXT
The Tigers continue their early SEC schedule Sunday, Oct. 4, against Tennessee. First server at the Hearnes Center is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CT and the match will be televised live on SEC Network + via WatchESPN.
Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Volleyball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (Missouri Volleyball) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouVB).
