| |
|
|
 |
| Top Performers |
| Player |
|
|
|
|
|
| USF - Arbogast |
6
|
|
|
|
|
| USF - Gurgel |
13
|
|
|
|
|
| USF - Boaz |
10 |
.750 |
1 |
0 |
10.5 |
| USF - Rivera |
0 |
.000 |
0 |
10 |
0.0 |
|
|
|
TAMPA - The University of South Florida volleyball team remained perfect this season as they defeated FAU, 3-0, and claimed the 2009 Best Western Invitational Championship and their second tournament in a row.
The Bulls finished the tournament 2-0 as Winthrop (1-1) and FAU (0-2) did not win a set against USF in the Best Western Invitational held in The Corral.
"We are real pleased with our execution," said head coach Claire Lessinger. "We dominated in areas, we feel that is our strength. The crowd was on our side the whole tournament and it was fun. There is something about playing at home, the feeling at home and how we play at home where we stay consistent."
After claiming the 3-0 win the night before against Winthrop, the Bulls (5-0) repeated their dominance with a 25-16, 25-12, 25-20 win over FAU.
Senior Alli Arbogast was named MVP hitting .706 for the weekend and serving five aces. Senior Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year Marcela Gurgel and junior Allie Boaz were also named to the all-tournament team for their 23 and 17 kills, respectively. Junior setter Mariana Thon handed out 20 assists, and sophomore libero Janice Rivera had a match-high 10 digs. The Bulls dominated at the net hitting .363 and holding the Owls to a mere .025 clip.
"Arbogast was impresingly efficient this weekend," said Lessinger. "She is an incredible blocker but she showed what a physical offensive weapon she is as well."
The Bulls started the first set with 6-2 lead after senior Pamela Luiz started the game with a kill from junior setter Mariana Thon. The closest the Owls would come in the first set was two points, at 11-9, before the Bulls would only allow seven more points in the set from FAU and put the game out of reach 25-16.
Gurgel, Boaz and Luiz combined for four kills apiece in the first set to roll over FAU. Arbogast attacked a perfect 2-for-2 behind the net and blocking one.
"Personally, this is my last season and I realize if I am going to leave my mark here, this is the time," said Arbogast. "There is me and five other girls on the court who are meshing so well together. The setters are giving me the ball at the correct times and it makes it easier for me to do my job. I am taking pride in keeping the ball in play and perform my role on the team."
Although the Owls tied the score at nine in the second set, the Bulls only allowed three more FAU points in the set. USF scored three more points to put them ahead 9-9, causing FAU to burn a timeout. The Owls could not stop the bleeding as the Bulls finished with 11 kills to FAU's three. The Owls hit a -.200, only scoring 12 points, forcing eight errors to the Bulls one in the set. Arbogast finished the set serving six straight points, including back-to-back aces.
USF once again out hit FAU, 19-9, in kills in the third set. Gurgel led all hitters in the set with five kills, but Alli Arbogast remained consistent as she was 4-for-5 for kills. With the score 17-10, Boaz laid down a shot inside the 10 foot line that FAU could not handle and extend USF's lead. The Bulls finished the set with a kill by Luiz, still holding FAU (0-6) winless on the young season.
"Boaz is one of our most consistent players emotionally, physically, and mentally," said Lessinger. "She proved how dominant she can be on the rightside. Both Alli's are well deserving of this honor."
The Bulls are back in action next weekend as they host the Tampa Twice Tournament in the Sun Dome, where national powerhouses in Florida, Minnesota and Washington, will compete. The Bulls face the Gators on Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. and Minnesota on Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.
"One thing we need to work on this week of practice is our weaknesses," said Lessinger. "These upcoming teams will definitely find them and pick us apart with their weapons."
