Special to GoUSFBulls.com
By: Mary Lee Gibson

TAMPA, NOV. 14, 2014 – The University of South Florida volleyball team suffered a 3-1 loss to SMU Friday night at the Corral. The loss drops the Bulls to 11-16 overall and 5-10 The American while the Mustangs improved to 22-5, 11-4.

Erin Fairs paved the way for the Bulls offensively, posting 20 kills, while also leading the defense with a nearly record-setting 35 digs. Her performance today earned her a spot in third on the Bulls' individual match records list for digs. Jennica Mullins tallied five block assists and two block solos to move her up in the record books as she eclipsed 100 solo blocks, 400 block assists, and 500 total blocks. Alex Mendoza tied her career high of 27 assists in the matchup.

Despite posting only a .068 attack rate in the first set, the Bulls narrowly fell 26-24. Gaining momentum in the second, Fairs slugged eight kills while notching 12 digs to lead the Bulls to their 25-20 win. The second set was the Bulls offensive highlight as they notched a .205 attack average to SMU's .111.

The tides turned against the Bulls in the final two sets when the Mustangs went on a rampage, attacking at a .445 clip in the last two frames to round out the match 25-21 and 25-10. Caroline Young led the Mustangs' offense with 14 kills in the contest, while Abbey Bybel notched a double-double with 10 kills and 13 digs. The Mustangs hit .239 for the match and held the Bulls to a .095 attack rate.

The Bulls will host Tulsa for their Military Appreciation match on Sunday, Nov. 16, at noon in the Corral.