2017 NCAA Top 10 Countdown: No. 6 Florida

After graduating only one starter, Florida is looking dangerous this fall.

Last Season

27-4, 16-2 SEC
NCAA Tournament Second Round (3-2 loss to Florida State)
13.72 assists/set (#4 in nation)
.338 team hitting percentage (#1 in nation)
14.45 kills/set (#8 in nation)
.871 winning percentage (#7 in nation)

The Players

Returning Stars

Rhamat Alhassan | 6-foot-4 | Senior | Middle Blocker
Morgyn Greer | 6-3 | Sophomore | Outside Hitter
Allie Gregory | 5-6 | Sophomore | Defensive Specialist
Shaniah Joseph | 6-1 | Redshirt Senior | Outside Hitter
Caroline Knop | 5-8 | Senior | Libero
Rachael Kramer | 6-4 | Senior | Middle Blocker
Allie Monserez | 5-9 | Redshirt Junior | Setter
Carli Snyder | 6-1 | Senior | Outside Hitter

Biggest Losses

Alex Holston | 6-2 | Opposite

The Newcomers

Paige Hammons | 6-1 | Freshman | Outside Hitter
Camille Nieves | 5-7 | Redshirt Freshman | Defensive Specialist
Macy Phillips | 5-7 | Freshman | Defensive Specialist
Mia Sokolowski | 6-4 | Redshirt Freshman | Outside Hitter

Preseason Matches to Watch

Aug. 25 vs. Texas
Aug. 26 vs. Nebraska
Sept. 2 vs. NC State @ Puerto Rico Classic
Sept. 3 vs. North Carolina @ Puerto Rico Classic
Sept. 9 vs. Michigan State
Sept. 12 vs. Florida State

Outlook

Florida is returning all but one member of its 2016 starting lineup, and after being upset by Florida State in the second round of the NCAA tournament the Gators should be fired up and ready for redemption.

All-American middle blocker Rhamat Alhassan will play a key role on the 2017 Florida team, as will fellow seniors outside hitter Carli Snyder and libero Caroline Knop. Freshman Paige Hammons may find her way on to the floor if head coach Mary Wise moves Shaniah Joseph to the right side to replace the graduated Alex Holston. Mia Sokolowski, a top recruit in 2016, will be eligible for playing time after redshirting last year, and could also find her way to the floor.

Prediction

The senior class of Alhassan, Snyder, and Knop have one more chance to chase down that elusive national championship. If they can fill the hole left by Holston and shake their NCAA tournament jitters, they might just have a shot.

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