The junior is just the ninth player in program history to reach the 2,000 assist plateau
TULSA, Okla., Nov. 10, 2016 – The University of South Florida volleyball team (16-11, 7-8 The American) rallied from a two set deficit at Tulsa (18-9, 7-8) to force a fifth set on Thursday night, but the Golden Hurricane held off the Bulls' late comeback to win the match.
Tulsa is victorious with scores of 27-25, 25-22, 20-25, 16-25, and 15-10.
USF junior Alex Mendoza tallied her 2,000th career assist in the match. The setter is just the ninth player in program history to record over 2,000 assists. Her 55 assists also tied a career-high (New Mexico, Sept. 2).
The Bulls appeared to be going ahead early in the first set but Tulsa rallied from a 23-19 deficit to win the opening set.
After also dropping the second set, USF fought back with a win in set three. Then, the Bulls claimed the final seven points of the fourth set to send the match to a deciding fifth set.
Even at two sets apiece, Tulsa utilized seven consecutive points in the final set to win their fifth straight match.
Quotables:
- USF head coach Courtney Draper on the result: “This was a very tough loss for our team. When we look at the box score and see that we hit at a higher efficiency, sided out at a higher percentage, and out-blocked our opponent 14-7, it leaves you scratching your head.”
- Coach Draper on her middle hitters of Joli Holland and Clara Payne: “Our middles were solid on offense and Clara was incredible on both sides of the ball.
- Coach Draper's final thoughts: “I was proud of the way our kids fought, but Tulsa played an incredible match.”
Key Stat:
- Redshirt sophomore middle blocker Clara Payne (Osteen, Fla.) registered 10 block assists, a new career high, and her 14 kills also tied a career best. Payne hit .462 in the match.
Notables:
- USF and Tulsa have split their two meetings this season and six meetings overall.
- Four Bulls players posted double digit kills and four notched double digit digs.
- Senior outside hitter T'ara Austin (Joliet, Ill.) achieved a double-double of 16 kills and 18 digs, a new career high.
- Junior middle blocker Joli Holland (Dublin, Calif.) totaled 14 kills, logged a .294 hitting percentage and made four blocks.
- Senior right side hitter Elyse Panick (Chicago) compiled 16 digs, 12 kills and six blocks.
- Senior libero Amy Van Sant (Atlanta) registered a team-high 21 digs.
Up Next:
USF concludes a three-match roadtrip at SMU (Nov. 12). The Bulls return home to host UConn (Nov. 18). The team will hold a senior night ceremony and a postgame autograph signing as well.
Home 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 have won three conference player of the week honors this year and have landed five honorees on the weekly honor roll. Hampton recorded her 1,000th dig and 1,000th kill this season, becoming the ninth player in program history to achieve both at USF. Senior libero Amy Van Sant (Atlanta) also compiled her 1,000th dig this year and junior setter Alex Mendoza (Minneola, Fla.) has surpassed the 1,500 assist total. 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 –
