Special to GoUSFBulls.com

By: Nolan Krause

The University of South Florida (6-7, 15-12) started off an important week with a win against FAMU (11-10, 9-0) Tuesday night in the Corral.

The Bulls put an end to FAMU's four-match win streak, winning in straight sets, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22.

USF's offense was led by freshman Erin Fairs, who hit a career high .429, and junior Kayla Walton, who hit .350.

“As far as our attackers, Erin Fairs and Kayla Walton have been stellar all year and continued that performance tonight,” head coach Courtney Draper said.

The Bulls had two double-doubles on the night, both of which were recorded by setters. Freshman Natalia Soares finished the night with 22 assists and 10 digs while fellow freshman setter Wylie Devin finished with 21 assists and 11 digs.

“Our setters have done a great job all year spreading the offense, showing all of their hitters some love, and they just did a great job putting the hitters in position to get those assists,” Draper said. “This week we've been working a lot on our setters defensively.”

In a close first set, the Bulls were lead offensively by Walton, who finished the set with five kills while hitting .375.

“We know that every game is important and even every set,” Walton said. “Just to be able to win that in three, and for me personally to be able to help my team out was just amazing.”

Fairs had a strong second set, leading the Bulls with five kills. In that second set, the Bulls held FAMU to a .027 hitting percentage, blocking the Rattlers five times.

“In practice we work hard on out-of-system balls, so I guess that's what I executed today.” Fairs said.

Nothing could stop the stampede Tuesday, not even a late rally in the third set that tied the final set at 22. The Bulls rallied for three straight points to send the Rattlers back to Tallahassee with the loss.

A win against Pittsburgh this past weekend leaves the Bulls in sole possession of the eighth seed in the Big East. That has them currently in position to make the Big East tournament, a spot they look to secure this weekend.

The Bulls will complete their conference season as they travel to Storrs, Conn. Friday to take on BIG EAST opponent Connecticut. Sunday, the team will be back in the Corral taking on Georgetown on what will be senior night.

“It is a really big conference weekend for us,” Draper said.