By: JOSH APPEL

SPECIAL TO GoUSFBulls.com

TAMPA - Erin Fairs posted nine kills and 13 digs in USF's three-set loss to Louisville Sunday at The Corral.

The Bulls (15-3 Overall, 9-5 The American) have lost two consecutive matches after winning seven of their previous eight contests.

The Cardinals (20-7, 15-0) took the first two sets 25-15 and 25-16. USF fought back in the third set but came up just short, dropping the third game 25-23. USF received strong contributions from Amy Van Sant with 14 digs and Wylie Devlin with 16 assists. Jennica Mullins, also had a solid performance, posting a .429 hitting percentage in the match.  

“I thought that we fought really hard in the third set,” head coach Courtney Draper said. “You can't wait until the third set to start fighting hard. Our first two sets we weren't passing efficiently enough to run a good offense.”

With four matches left in the season, USF needs two more wins to equal their entire total from the 2012 season.

“Our next two opponents are very, very tough,” Draper said. “We were lucky to beat them both on the road (Houston/SMU), so it's going to be tough competition for sure. I'm hoping that it gives our girls a little bit of confidence knowing that we were able to beat them the last time we played.

The Bulls return to The Corral on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7:00 p.m. when they play host to Houston.