April 1, 2008
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF volleyball team opened its spring schedule Saturday when it hosted USF for a five-game match at the new UCF Arena, with first-year head coach Todd Dagenais witnessing great improvement from his squad since taking over in January.
"Every game was competitive on Saturday," Dagenais stated. "We put ourselves in position to win every game, but we need to be able to close the close games to be successful. We need to execute our passes, make the correct set and put the ball away."
The Knights had success putting the ball away in the contest, with three players registering double-digit numbers in kills. Junior Erin Campbell (Kansas City, Mo.) led the team with 14 kills, while Stephanie Serna (San Antonio, Texas) and Lauren Williams (Lake Mary, Fla.) both added 10 apiece.
Also adding to the attacking prowess was senior Jenny Heppert (Lawrence, Kan.) who posted eight kills, and Andrea Youngblood (Castle Rock, Colo.) who had three service aces in the contest.
"It was nice to finally get on the floor and perform the skills that we have been working on for the past month," Dagenais said. "(Assistant coach) Sam (Shweisky) has been working with the athletes on their passing skills during spring training and our numbers have significantly improved from last season. Our ability to pass the ball is one of the most critical components for our future success."
The Knights conclude their spring schedule April 5, at the University of Miami Spring Tournament, facing host Miami, Florida Atlantic, Barry, Lynn and Nova over the course of the day at the Hecht Athletic Center beginning at 10:30 a.m. A full schedule of the Knights' games can be found below.
University of Miami Spring Tournament - April 5
10:30 a.m. - vs. FAU
11:15 a.m. - vs. Barry
1 p.m. - vs. Lynn
1:45 p.m. - at Miami
2:30 p.m. - vs. Nova
"I am excited to see where we are as a team," Dagenais added. "We are making great decisions off of the court, which will lead to great success on the court."
The UCF volleyball team will open its 2008 campaign at the Georgia Southern Tournament August 29-30. For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pics
-UCF-