Sept. 13, 2014
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Megan Herboth
UCFKnights.com
AUSTIN, Texas - The UCF volleyball team put together a strong effort against No. 21 Arizona, but it was not enough as the Wildcats claimed a 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-20, 25-23) win over the Knights in the 26 West Longhorn Classic nightcap in Gregory Gymnasium on Saturday.
"We are really disappointed that we lost this match," UCF head coach Todd Dagenais said. "We felt like we had the ability and opportunities to win it. We just didn't have the stability to win it. Arizona had players that hit kills in critical times. I thought they went out there and took the match instead of us giving it away."
UCF (7-3) showed no hesitation in facing the second ranked opponent of the day. Despite dropping the opening set, the Knights used a 5-0 run in the second set to break away from the Wildcats and even the series.
Errors plagued the Knights in the match, as UCF had at least six attack errors in each of the four sets. After posting 12 kills in the opening set, the Knights hit 16 kills in the next three sets, but were slightly less efficient in the process.
"It came down Arizona having two or three less errors a set," Dagenais said.
Senior DeLaina Sarden, who was named to the 26 West Longhorn Classic All-Tournament Team, hit .304 with 10 kills and a block. Four Knights posted double-doubles in the match. Sophomore Jale Hervey finished with 12 kills and 11 digs, while sophomore Kia Bright posted a team-high 15 kills and a season-best 21 digs. Senior Marie Reiterova tallied 24 assists and 17 digs, while junior Dana Faught notched 22 assists and 11 digs. Senior Jade Hayes finished with a match-high 22 digs. Senior Kaye-Alese Green hit .529 with nine kills and recorded five blocks.
"This weekend prepared us for our conference battles," Dagenais noted. "I have every reason to believe that this team is going to continue grow at a very rapid rate over the next several weeks."
UCF returns to Florida for the lone home match of September. The Knights host Marquette at 3 p.m. on Sept. 20.
UCF Volleyball is presented by Radisson- UCF Area. Season tickets are also available for $30, good for one general admission seat to all 2014 regular season home matches. Youth (ages 2-17 years) season tickets are on sale for $15. The GOLD Pass, which includes one general admission seat for all home men's soccer, women's soccer, volleyball, softball, women's basketball and track & field events, is available for $90. For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit UCFKnights.com or call 407-UCF-1000.