Nov. 1, 2006
BOCA RATON, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Despite a match-high 23 kills from junior outside hitter Lorin Lukas (Winter Springs, Fla./Winter Springs HS), the UCF volleyball team dropped a 3-2 (30-24, 22-30, 26-30, 30-12, 15-9) non-conference contest to host Florida Atlantic on Wednesday evening at the FAU Arena. Lukas also had 16 digs to record a double-double.
The Owls (9-16) hit .533 in the decisive fifth game, compared to .150 for the Golden Knights, who fell to 5-19 overall. UCF was playing the final tilt of five-straight matches away from home.
Junior outside hitter Schanell Neiderworder (Aurora, Colo./Grandview HS) tallied 18 kills for UCF. The Golden Knights hit .333 in game two and then claimed game three with a .375 hitting percentage. For the match, the visitors hit .166.
Freshman setter Andrea Youngblood (Castle Rock, Colo./Douglas County HS) had 26 assists in the loss and senior setter Leah Alexander (Georgetown, Texas/Leander HS) added 24 assists.
Junior libero Cassie Ramaekers (Blue Grass, Iowa/West HS) had 15 digs for the Golden Knights. In addition to three service aces, sophomore middle blocker Jenny Heppert (Lawrence, Kan./Free State HS) posted five total blocks.
Krystena Castro paced Florida Atlantic with 22 kills and Kaila Janssen chipped in with 15 kills. Casey LaRocca registered a match-high 54 assists and Nikki Hartman led the way with 25 digs. Behind seven block assists from Katie Arvidson, the Owls recorded 16 total blocks.
The Golden Knights return to Conference USA action on Friday, Nov. 3 at home versus UTEP. First serve at the UCF Arena is set for 7 p.m. The contest will serve as UCF's "Dig for the Cure" match.
Fans can help the team raise funds for breast cancer research by pledging money per dig earned, or by making flat donations. Checks can be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Pledges will be collected before the match at the UCF Arena. Those interested in pledging money or making a donation for the event can also contact Suzi Katz at skatz@mail.ucf.edu or (407) 823-3555.
Admission to all UCF home contests is free courtesy of McDonald's. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.