Box Score

TAMPA - - In the process of winning three quick sets against the visiting Florida A&M Rattlers, 25-21, 25-18, 25-15, the University of South Florida volleyball team not only improved their record, but earned money for a great cause.

"It was a fun match," said USF head coach Claire Lessinger.  "We were able to get practically everyone in the match, which is an awesome experience for them on 'Dig for the Cure' night."

USF moved to 14-8 on the season during the out of conference match-up against the defending champions of the MEAC conference, and will have only one more regular season contest outside of BIG EAST play - a showdown with Florida International on November 26.

During the "Dig for the Cure" match, USF fans and supporters had the opportunity to donate a flat amount prior to the Tuesday match and/or the option to pledge a certain monetary amount per USF dig against FAMU.  

The 2008 campaign was another successful campaign. In five years, USF has raised over $13,000 for breast cancer research.

Not only did the Bulls excel on the court for the cause, the team also set up a collection site at a Publix Supermarket to collect donations this past weekend.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36.  Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure? to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised more than $740 million for the fight against breast cancer.  
For more information, call the National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline at 1.800 I'M AWARE? (1.800.462.9273) or visit www.komen.org.

Two different Bulls, senior libero Stephanie Augustavo and junior outside hitter Marcela Gurgel, each had 10 digs in the contest to tie for the match-high.  Augustavo has now at least tied for the lead in digs during the match in three-straight years.

A total of 12 different players for USF saw action versus FAMU, with 10 coming away with at least one dig to help out charity. 

"It is always an extra incentive when you are raising money for such a great foundation," said Lessinger.  "We should love to dig balls no matter what, but I know that especially tonight, the girls loved getting every single dig they could."

USF's setters, Mariana Thon and Brittany Castelamare, did a solid job by spreading the ball around evenly to the attackers.  Gurgel (9), along with Jarka Havlickova (8), Alli Arbogast (8), Alli O'Connor (8), and Nakia Williams (5), combined as a tandem that each connected on multiple kills against the Rattlers.

"We wanted to keep our offense fast and spread," said Lessinger.  "In game two and three, we used that game plan along with the energy and momentum to push us to a win." 

Both Havlickova and Arbogast hit extremely effectively on the evening with .636 attack percentages.  Each also helped out with two block assists apiece.

The Bulls are a perfect 10-0 when the match only goes three sets and are now 13-0 when leading in attack percentage.  USF outhit FAMU .289-to-.058 on the evening.  It was the third time in four matches that USF has held their opponent under the .100 hitting clip mark (Marquette - .067, Georgetown - .062).

USF has now won four of five matches and looks to continue the streak on Friday against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights back at the Corral.  First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.