By
Brian Penso
Arizona Daily Wildcat
UA struggles at net against Florida
Senior defensive specialist Elvina Clark, who has missed the last three games, is expected to return to action Friday for the Wildcats' pivotal game against USC in Los Angeles.
In her absence, freshman Christina Frost made the first start of her Wildcat career against Oregon.
"I think getting in earlier in the season helped a lot," Frost said. "Being able to play earlier in the season took the pressure off and I was ready to go."
Rubio said that Frost performed well despite the short notice.
"Christina did a nice job," Rubio said. "She served and passed really well this weekend. Christina did a very admirable job."
UA's defense appeared unfazed by the loss of Clark.
"Everyone on the team believes in everyone else," Frost said. "I feel comfortable playing with everyone."
For the first time all season, the Wildcats stand alone atop the Pac-10 standings with a game and a half lead over UCLA and USC.
Last Friday, UCLA dominated the Trojans, 3-0, as USC fell into a second place tie with the Bruins .
With the season coming to an end, UA has one conference loss and the Trojans and Bruins have two apiece.
"We need to stay focused on each and every match," Rubio said. "I told the players not to get caught up in the Pac-10 race because there is a lot of volleyball still left to be played."
With three conference games remaining, the team controls its own destiny.
"It is nice to be in the driver's seat coming down the stretch," Rubio said.
Burkholder agreed.
"It's huge to be in first, but we have job to do," she said. "We know that we have a lot of work ahead of us."
In Tuesday's match versus Florida, the Wildcats hitting percentage was .287, which was its second lowest of the season.
"We struggled tonight," Rubio said. "We were not offensive minded for most of the match."
Senior middle blocker Marisa DaLee, who is among the nations leaders in hitting percentage was held to a.258 hitting percentage versus Florida.
Even though DaLee hit well below her season average, Rubio said DaLee was a major contributor in the Wildcats victory.
"Marisa struggled a little bit, but she was just awesome getting up and drawing a blocker," Rubio said.
Rubio said that Arizona's low hitting percentage was directly related to its passing, which was not up to par against the Gators.
"Our passing was not crisp at all," Rubio said, "If our passing is not crisp, then our attacking percentage will be low."
No. 9 Florida, who is among the nation best blocking teams with an average of 3.39 blocks per game, played a role in UA's dismal hitting percentage.
"When you play good teams, you can't expect to always have a high percentage," Rubio said.
Overall though, the coach was happy to overcome the team's lack of success at the net and come away with a victory.
"Everyone struggled tonight and we were definitely not on our 'A' game tonight," Rubio said
