FSU Volleyball Swept by Florida in First Round of the NCAA Tournament

As was the case in the 2016 NCAA Tournament, Florida State volleyball dropped the first two sets to rival Florida. This time, there would be no unlikely rally.

The 2018 season for FSU (19-10) came to a halt on Thursday in Orlando as it was handled by Florida in straight sets, 25-21, 25-20, 25-13. The Seminoles came back from two sets down to beat Florida in the last NCAA Tournament meeting between the schools two years ago in Gainesville, but history would not repeat itself.

Payton Caffrey, an FSU junior and ACC Player of the Year, finished with 14 kills to lead the Seminoles in the loss. In what will be their final match as Seminoles, Brianne Burkert and Kelsey Wicinski led the team in assists and digs with 13 and 14, respectively. Adrian Ell added 11 assists for Florida State.

The Gators (25-6) were led by Paige Hammons, who recorded a match-high 16 kills. Sisters Allie and Marlie Monserez combined for 36 assists. Allie Gregory finished with a match-high 22 digs.

After advancing in eight straight NCAA Tournaments from 2009 to 2016, FSU has now been eliminated in the first round in consecutive years. Florida advances to face either UCF or Florida Gulf Coast.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson