TAMPA (November 11, 2021) – Marta Cvitkovic (Rijeka, Croatia) and Tizi Puljiz (Resistencia Argentina) each recorded double-doubles on Thursday night inside The Corral, but it wasn't enough for the University of South Florida Bulls (6-20, 0-15 AAC) to overcome the SMU Mustangs (14-11, 10-5 AAC).
SMU claimed the match in four sets by scores of 25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 25-20.
Puljiz led the way offensively with a career-high 18 kills.
The true freshman did all she could to spark the Bulls by flooring six kills in both sets two and three. USF denied the Mustangs of a sweep by winning the third set, and led by a 19-18 count late in set four as the Bulls looked to extend the match.
The Mustangs halted USF's comeback bid right there by finished the match on a five-point run after the game was tied at 20-apice.
The SMU defense played a big part in the match as the Mustangs owned the advantage in blocks, 13-6, and digs, 74-67.
Libero Alexis Williams (St. Louis, Mo.) tallied a career-best 22 digs in the USF back row.
True freshman Amiree Hendricks-Walker (Los Angeles, Calif.) posted a team-best five blocks at the net.
Notable
- Cvitkovic notched her sixth double-double of the year with 14 kills and 17 digs to go along with three service aces.
- Puljiz added 11 digs for her fifth double-double of the season.
- Kelsey O'Loughlin dished out 41 assists to the offense and also recorded a season-best five kills.
Up Next
Alumni Weekend continues at home for the Bulls with a match against Memphis on Saturday at 1 p.m.
About USF Volleyball
Head coach Jolene Shepardson enters her second season at the helm of her alma mater in 2021-22. Named head coach on Jan. 8, 2020, Shepardson led the Bulls' program to its last conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance as a student-athlete in 2002. USF made its last postseason appearance in 2018, posting 20 wins and appearing in the NIVC. USF Volleyball has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances and won 12 conference titles since its inception in 1972 and is entering its 50th campaign in 2021-22. The Bulls play in The Corral (1,000), adjacent to the Yuengling Center on the USF campus.
Be sure to follow USF women's volleyball on social media (Twitter/Instagram/Facebook) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.
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