Redshirt sophomore Clara Payne registered 11 kills and a .360 hitting percentage

TAMPA, Oct. 29, 2016 – The University of South Florida volleyball team (16-8, 7-5 The American) was defeated in three sets by Cincinnati (15-8, 10-2) on Saturday afternoon.

The Bearcats won 25-19, 25-23, 25-22.

Redshirt sophomore Clara Payne (Osteen, Fla.) totaled 11 kills in the match for the Bulls. The middle blocker also posted a .360 hitting percentage. Senior outside hitter Denise Belcher (Apopka, Fla.) added eight kills in two sets off the bench.

UC won the opening set with 11 total kills from sophomores Carly Nolan and Jordan Thompson.

USF responded quickly in set two with a 7-1 advantage but UC raced back for the two point victory.

The third set was the closest of the day with 14 ties and nine lead changes. Deadlocked at 18, UC closed the match with seven of the final 11 points in the win.

Quotables:

• USF head coach Courtney Draper on the matchup: “I thought our girls fought hard. Cincinnati is one of the best teams in the conference and in the nation.”
• Draper on Payne: “Clara was great on offense for us and led our team in kills. That's tough for a middle to do.”
• Draper on Belcher: “Denise was really offensive today and very efficient on her attack too. She was one of the brighter spots in the match.”

Key Stat:

• Nolan and Thompson combined for 31 of UC's kills.

Notables:

• Senior outside hitter T'ara Austin (Joliet, Ill.) posted four of her seven kills in the opening set.
• Junior setter Alex Mendoza (Minneola, Fla.) compiled 30 assists.
• Payne notched five kills in each of the second and third sets.
• Senior libero Amy Van Sant (Atlanta) totaled 13 digs as senior right side hitter Elyse Panick (Chicago) added 11 digs.

Up Next:

USF concludes its season-high five match homestand when the Bulls host rival UCF in a War on I-4 Rivalry match on Wednesday in the Sun Dome. The first 250 fans will receive a Rocky Bobblehead giveaway.

First serve is set for 7 p.m.

Tickets are only $5 and fans can purchase their tickets HERE.

About USF Volleyball

The USF volleyball program has reached the NCAA Tournament seven times and boasts seven conference championships. In 2016, the Bulls return 10 players from last season including their top eight point scorers from a year ago. USF also brings back senior outside hitter Dakota Hampton (Orland Park, Ill.), who was named to the 2016 American Athletic Conference preseason team. The 6-0 start was the program's longest winning streak to begin a season since 2000. The Bulls are guided by fifth year head coach Courtney Draper. Follow the volleyball team on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.  

– #GoBulls –