TAMPA, OCT. 3, 2014 – Fourteen blocks and timely hitting propelled the USF volleyball back over .500 Friday, in the Bulls' conference home opener.

USF (8-7 overall, 2-1 The American) continued its reign as the top-blocking team in the conference, using a 14-9 blocking edge over UConn (9-5, 2-1) to top the Huskies in four sets in the packed USF Corral, 25-21, 25-19, 18-25, 25-16.

Senior middle blocker Jennica Mullins posted a team-high eight blocks and freshman middle blocker Joli Holland added six as the Bulls' middle blockers had a hand in all fourteen blocks to hold UConn to a .119 hitting percentage in the win.

USF cruised out of the gate early using a six-kill, seven-dig effort from junior outside hitter Erin Fairs to pick up the first set win. The set would include the only lead changes of the match, all happening in the first 15 points before Mullins and Fairs combined for a block and two kills to extend the Bulls' lead for good, at 16-12.

After running a six-attacker, two-setter offense in the first set, USF switched over to a five-attacker, one-setter offense in the second, using freshman Alex Mendoza as the primary setter with success. Mendoza doled out nine assists as the Bulls outhit UConn .261-.042, setting up Fairs for five more kills, with sophomore outside hitter Dakota Hampton connecting on four more.

The 5-1 offense hit a lull in the third however, as UConn jumped ahead 9-2 early, and controlled the tempo through the rest of the set. USF returned to its usual two-setter offense and picked up momentum late, riding the confidence from a pair of Hampton service aces into the fourth set despite the 25-18 loss.

The Bulls turned that momentum into blocks, rattling off seven in the set including four from freshman Adyson Goodnight, to finish off UConn, and improve to 2-1 in conference play.

Fairs just missed posting her sixth 20-kill match of the season, knocking down 19 kills and digging 24 balls to lead the Bulls. Hampton added nine kills and seven digs, while sophomore libero Amy Van Sant contributed 12 digs.

The Bulls continue their three-match homestand Sunday at noon against Temple, in The Corral. Immediately following the match, all kids middle-school-aged and younger are invited to participate in a free one-hour volleyball skills clinic with the USF players and coaches, on the court.