GAINESVILLE - If first impressions are everything, then Colorado State knew all it needed to know about Florida's Aury Cruz after the opening moments of its match with the Gators.
Led by Cruz's powerful jump serve, Florida opened with an 11-0 run and went on to defeat the Rams 3-0 (30-13, 30-22, 30-26) Friday in the round of 16 in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
"I think it (set the tone)," Cruz said of the Gators' opening sequence. "All of the players kept coming up to me and motivating me, telling me to keep serving well and that's what I did. It caused (Colorado State) to over-pass, and we were able to get early kills."
Cruz led Florida throughout the first game. She posted four of her 12 kills, seven of her 10 digs and all four of her service aces in Game 1.
While Cruz found a variety of ways to score in the first game, the Gators encountered stiffer competition in Game 2. Their attack percentage dropped from .343 in the first game to .234.
Florida coach Mary Wise knew entering the match that her team would face a dangerous opponent, and she walked away impressed with its performance.
"We looked at this semifinal opponent and thought that Colorado State was in many ways a tougher semifinal opponent than some of the other regional semifinalists," Wise said.
The Rams rallied from the lopsided first game and battled Florida the next two. Game 2 was highlighted by several controversial calls from officials, which were met by boos from the 3,136 in attendance.
"We never let (the officiating) get into our heads," Cruz said.
"We tried to put it away and move on to the next play. We knew that we could get the sideout quick."
Florida was tested again in the third game, but Colorado State was unable to mount a serious rally because of a consistent Gators defense. Florida finished the game with 45 digs and five team blocks.
"I think the reason we had so many digs tonight was a tribute to our great block setup," said sophomore Jane Collymore, who had a match-high 14 digs. "It makes playing defense behind them really easy."
The Gators face Penn State at 6 tonight in the East region final. The Nittany Lions defeated Kansas State 3-1 (12-30, 30-27, 30-21, 31-29) in the first match at the Steven C. O'Connell Center.
