Alex Mendoza's 54 assists were one shy of tying a career high
MEMPHIS, Nov. 4, 2016 – The University of South Florida volleyball team (16-10, 7-7 The American) received a season-high 18 kills from senior outside hitter Denise Belcher (Apopka, Fla.) in a five set loss at Memphis (12-13, 4-9) on Friday night. Junior setter Alex Mendoza (Minneola, Fla.) also posted 54 assists, one away from matching a career high.
After dropping the first set, the Tigers rallied back to win three of the final four sets for the victory. (21-25, 25-23, 25-23, 24-26, 15-8).
Redshirt sophomore middle blocker Clara Payne (Osteen, Fla.) guided the Bulls with five kills in a set one win.
After falling in the second and third sets, USF rallied late from a 22-21 deficit to force a fifth set. Senior outside hitter T'ara Austin (Joliet, Ill.) notched two kills in the waning moments as the Bulls won five of the last seven points.
However, Memphis never trailed in the final set, winning the match 3-2.
Quotables:
- USF head coach Courtney Draper on the Tigers: “Memphis was incredibly scrappy tonight; they kept balls alive that in most gyms would have been kills.”
- Draper on her middle hitters: “They were hot offensively all night but we couldn't get them the ball as much as we would have liked.”
Key Stat:
- The match featured 41 ties and 16 lead changes.
Notables:
- USF is 18-10 all-time against Memphis.
- Belcher's 18 kills matched her season-high vs. Albany (Sept. 10) and were two shy of tying her career-best. Her three service aces are a new career high.
- Junior middle blocker Joli Holland (Dublin, Calif.) posted 10 kills and a .429 hitting percentage.
- Senior right side hitter Elyse Panick (Chicago) compiled 17 digs, 11 kills and five block assists.
- Payne ended the night with 11 kills, a .421 hitting percentage, and six blocks (two solo).
Up Next:
USF continues a three match roadtrip at Tulsa (Nov. 10) and 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 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.
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