DALLAS, TEXAS, NOVEMBER 18, 2018 – Despite two double-doubles and three with double-digit kills, the USF volleyball team fell to SMU on the road Sunday (21-25, 25-21, 20-25, 24-26).  

The Bulls (20-10, 9-8 The American) and Mustangs (12-15, 9-8 The American) were tied 14-14 in the first set, but a 4-0 run gave the hosts a slight edge late. USF got to within one a couple times, but could not tie or take the lead.

A block party ensued in the second set, as USF had 10. Trailing 17-14, the Bulls used a 6-1 run to take a 20-18 lead. The Mustangs came back to lead 21-20, but redshirt senior Clara Payne (Osteen, Fla.) and redshirt sophomore Nyemba Musemuna (Avon, Ind.) combined for a block leading to a Payne kill to give USF a 25-22 win.

Trailing by as much as 10 in the third set, the Bulls got to within four, 24-20, but ultimately dropped the frame. In the fourth set trying to force the eighth fifth set of the season, USF trailed for most of the frame. The Bulls took a late lead 23-22, then tied thing at 24-24. But SMU scored the final two points to win the match in four sets.

Notables

• Sophomore Jaeden Brown (Hollywood, Fla.) had 12 kills and 10 blocks for her first double-double.
• Junior Jac'cara Walker (Gainesville, Fla.) had 11 kills and 12 digs.  
• Sophomore Nikkia Benitez (Miami) recorded 11 digs off the bench
• Freshman setter Lauren LaBeck (Chicago) had 37 assists.
• Classmate CC Clausen (The Woodlands, Texas) recorded 16 digs and senior Briana Stowell (Orlando) had 13 digs.  

Key Stats

29 – USF had a season high 29 blocks.  
3 – Three Bulls were in double-figure kills.  
13 – Double-doubles for Walker this season
 
Up Next
USF concludes the regular season in Orlando against the rival Knights. The first War On I-4 battle of the year went five sets back on Sept. 21, as the Bulls nearly delivered the Knight what would have been their only loss in conference play.

About USF Volleyball
Now in her seventh season with the Bulls, head coach Courtney Draper has her team at 19-9, just one win shy what would be the most in her time at USF. Redshirt senior middle blocker Clara Payne became the seventh player in program history to reach 400 career blocks earlier this season. Sophomore Jaeden Brown is second in The American in total blocks and leads USF with a hitting percentage above .300. Junior transfer Jac'cara Walker has led USF in kills all season long and recorded her 1000^th career kill earlier in the year.
 
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