Box Score

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - - It was a hard fought battle through four sets, but the University of South Florida couldn't overcome the Alabama Crimson Tide on their home floor at “The Cave” in Tuscaloosa.  

“I just feel like we're right there with the good teams, but it's our inability to close that's tough,” said USF head coach Claire Lessinger.  “I'm proud of their fight and I'm proud of them for playing point-to-point but we've just got learn how to close.”

USF (5-4) fell to the Crimson Tide (6-2) by a final score of 24-26, 25-22, 12-25, 25-27.  In the losing effort, the Bulls were once again led in the kills category by junior outside hitter Marcela Gurgel with 19.

Gurgel added 10 digs to complete her 28th career double-double that capped off a big day at the Crimson Tide Invitational that also included a season-high 26 kills earlier in the afternoon against Murray State.

Nakia Williams tallied 11 kills to lead the Bulls' middle attack against the Crimson Tide.  Williams also was a part of two block assists.

Sophomore right side hitter Allie Boaz was the most effective attacker for the Bulls by the percentages on the evening.  Boaz reeled in seven kills while hitting at a .312 mark.

On the defensive end for the Bulls, senior Stephanie Augustavo was outstanding on the back row by picking up a match-high and season-high 21 digs against Alabama.

“Augy was instructed to stay deep and run balls down and she did exactly that,” said Lessinger.  “She kept us in the match by keeping several balls up and it was just a great performance by her.”

The Crimson Tide used 15 kills and 11 kills from Brooks Webster and Alyssa Mueth respectively to make things difficult for the Bulls.  Three different players on the UA squad also reached the double-digit dig plateau. 

USF will wrap up their seven-match home streak tomorrow at noon eastern against the Samford Bulldogs.  The match will be brought to fans with an audio feed through Press Pass.