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Florida Gators Women’s Volleyball Team Concludes 2023 Season with Impressive Run

Historic Season Ends with NCAA Tournament Appearance

Gators Fall to No. 2 Stanford in Regional Semifinal

The Florida Gators women’s volleyball team concluded their 2023 season with an impressive run, reaching the NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinals. The Gators, who finished the regular season as SEC Co-Champions, earned an at-large bid to the tournament and made the most of their opportunity.

In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Gators defeated Jacksonville State University in straight sets to advance to the second round. In the second round, the Gators faced a tough challenge against the University of Florida State, but they persevered and won in five sets. The victory marked the Gators' first NCAA Tournament win since 2017.

In the Regional Semifinals, the Gators faced the No. 2-seeded Stanford Cardinal. The Cardinal proved to be too tough, defeating the Gators in three sets and ending their season. Despite the loss, the Gators had a season to be proud of.

The Gators finished the season with a 24-9 record, including a 14-4 mark in SEC play. They were led by a talented group of players, including All-SEC selections T’ara Ceasar and Bre Kelley.

Ceasar, a senior outside hitter, led the Gators in kills with 409. She was also named to the All-America Second Team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

Kelley, a senior middle blocker, was a force at the net for the Gators. She finished the season with 163 blocks, which ranked third in the SEC. She was also named to the All-SEC Defensive Team.

The Gators’ success this season is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. They represented the University of Florida well and made the Gator Nation proud.

Looking Ahead to 2024

The Gators will lose several key players to graduation, but they will also welcome a talented group of newcomers. With a strong core of returning players, the Gators should be poised for another successful season in 2024.

The Gators will be led by Ceasar, who will be a fifth-year senior in 2024. She will be joined by a talented group of sophomores, including outside hitter Merritt Beason and middle blocker Gabrielle Essix.

The Gators will also welcome a talented group of freshmen, including outside hitter Emma Raiche and middle blocker Caroline Knop. With a strong mix of experience and youth, the Gators should be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and beyond.