PHILADELPHIA, NOV. 7, 2014 – A quality performance up the middle for the University of South Florida volleyball team did not spell out success in Philadelphia.

The Bulls' middle blockers in Jennica Mullins and Joli Holland combined for 12 kills on just 18 swings, and had a hand in seven blocks, but a streaking Temple team bested USF in Philadelphia Friday night, as the Bulls (10-15, 4-9) fell to the Owls in three sets, 23-25, 18-25, 21-25.

USF out-blocked Temple 8-7 in a match otherwise controlled by the Owls' offense, as Temple outhit the Bulls .278-.194, with four different players hitting over .350.

A strong start from junior outside hitter Erin Fairs helped USF out to a 23-17 lead in the first set. Fairs knocked down eight of her team-high 12 kills in the set, but eight consecutive points from Temple's offense sent the Bulls to a 25-23 loss in the closest set of the match.

USF's middle blockers connected well in the second set as Holland posted three kills on three swings, and Mullins added a pair of kills while hitting .500. The Bulls led early, and forced a tie game at 17 points each, before Temple again rallied to score eight of the last nine points, completing its second comeback of the evening.

The Owls jumped ahead from the first serve of the final set and never looked back, hitting .382 to nullify great offensive sets from Holland and senior right side hitter Bree Scarbrough. Temple finished off USF with a kill, handing the Bulls a loss on the road.

In the loss, Fairs recorded her 17th double-double of the season, with 12 kills and 10 digs. Mullins' five blocks included two solo blocks, sending the senior within two solo blocks of 100 for her career. USF returns to action Sunday at 1 p.m., facing UConn in Connecticut.