Box Score

TAMPA - - Despite having four different players in the double-digit kills category, the University of South Florida volleyball team could not overcome Syracuse in a 12-25, 23-25, 25-19, 19-25 defeat at the Corral.

The defeat pushes the Bulls back to .500 in conference play at 3-3 while their overall record sits at 12-8.  The Orange continue their good start in BIG EAST action and move up to 4-1 while are at 11-9 on the season.

"I think Syracuse is one of the most disiplined defensive teams we have played all year," said USF head coach Claire Lessinger.  "They caused frustration for us by having a fundamentally sound block and executing their game plan.  They stayed in system very well.  I just have to give Syracuse a lot of credit for how they played against us."

A season-worst 35 attack errors hurt USF throughout the four-set match that led to a .154 team hitting percentage.  Syracuse as a squad was able to attack at a .317 mark and outblocked USF 13.0 to 6.0.

Senior middle blocker Nakia Williams led all primary attackers for USF with a .310 attack percentage on the afternoon.  Williams connected on 14 kills and three block assists.

Marcela Gurgel put together a team-high 16 kills and also played well defensively with an equal number of digs, but was contained to a .082 clip.  Gurgel was a threat serving as usual with three more aces to take her season total to 46.

Alli O'Connor (12) and Allie Boaz (10) also reached the double-digit kill plateau against the Orange.

Bulls' libero Stephanie Augustavo had 20 digs on the match.  It was the fifth time this season she has had 20 or more in a single match.

Running the 6-2 offense, setters Mariana Thon and Brittany Castelamare shared the assists with 30 and 22 respectively.

Syracuse was helped out by Kacie MacTavish's 17 kills, 15 dig outing and had three others in double-digit digs as well.

USF will now have six days off before its next home match, a Saturday afternoon showdown back at the Corral with Georgetown.  

"We need to take advantage of the time we have to train and prepare," said Lessinger. "