Sept. 22, 2006
ORLANDO - Despite three Golden Knights recording double-doubles, the UCF volleyball team was edged by visting SMU, 3-2 (25-30, 30-22, 30-22, 16-30, 15-11) on Friday evening in Conference USA play at the UCF Arena. Senior outside hitter Maina Heming (Sao Leopoldo, Brazil) led the Golden Knights (5-8, 1-1 C-USA) with 22 kills and 18 digs.
The Mustangs, who improved to 10-5 overall and 1-1 in league play with the win, hit .412 in the final game.
Junior outside hitters Lorin Lukas (Winter Springs, Fla./Winter Springs HS) and Schanell Neiderworder (Aurora, Colo./Grandview HS) each had strong contests for the Golden Knights. Lukas tallied 17 kills and 16 digs. In addition to five block assists, Neiderworder recorded 15 kills and 11 digs.
With game one tied at 24, the hosts used a 6-1 surge to close out the opening game with a 30-25 victory. Later, the Golden Knights dominated game four, hitting .213 compared to -.062 for SMU.
Freshman setter Andrea Youngblood (Castle Rock, Colo./Douglas County HS) totaled 57 assists and a career-high five service aces for the Golden Knights. UCF had 10 service aces on the night.
Rachel Giubilato led SMU with 31 kills and 18 digs. Caitlin Rainbird added 16 kills and Stefanie Kons posted 45 assists.
UCF continues league play on Sunday, facing Tulsa on the road at 2 p.m. Eastern. UCF's next home match is set for Friday, Sept. 29 versus Southern Miss. Admission to all UCF home contests at the UCF Arena is free courtesy of McDonald's.
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