For the second week in a row, the University of South Florida volleyball team is a tournament champion.
The Bulls finished off a three-match sweep of the USF Tournament with a three-set sweep of FIU Sunday, riding another strong defensive effort to win 25-16,26-24, 25-18 and claim their second crown of the 2012 season.
“We had so many strong performers throughout the tournament,” head coach Courtney Draper said. “I've been really pleased with our play through this five-match winning streak.”
USF dominated at the net, out-blocking FIU 14-6, to help set up a sizable advantage in the digging battle as well. Senior middle blocker Caitlyn Breen sniffed out nine blocks – three solo blocks – and said the defense really helped initiate the Bulls' offense.
“Once they realized we were blocking a lot of their balls, they started throwing us some things that we could run with on offense,” Breen said. “When we can get the defense and offense rolling at the same time, I'd say we're pretty tough to beat.”
The Bulls' blockers funneled balls to the back row all match long, allowing USF to out-dig the Panthers 52-37. Senior libero Claudia Cabrera led USF with 13 of those digs.
“They channel the ball right to us, so all we need to do is get in position and make the dig,” Cabrera said. “It makes things a lot easier on us in the back row.”
But Breen said it was the serving that deserved credit for at least some of the strong blocking and defense.
“We rely a lot on our servers. When they can get the other team out of system, it is very easy to know where to set up the block,” she said.
Offensively, junior right side hitter Kayla Walton put together a dominant performance, terminating her first six kill attempts, and finishing with a match-high 12 kills. Walton set a new career high, hitting .556 in 18 attempts to solidify her position as USF Tournament Team MVP.
“Kayla had some favorable matchups today, and she executed well,” Draper said. “We talked to the setters early about that matchup being a strength for us.”
Freshman setter Natalia Soares posted 21 assists and nine digs. USF distributed the offense evenly, with its top five hitters each recording between 15 and 18 attacks.
“Natalia made some really nice strategic sets, and Wylie (Devlin) continued to do a great job setting up the offense,” Draper said.
Finishing the weekend with 18 kills and 14 blocks, Breen was named to the All-Tournament Team. Cabrera posted 4.5 digs per set, earning an All-Tournament Team nod as well. The Bulls are back in action Tuesday at the Corral, as they take on FGCU at 7 p.m.
