Aug. 28, 2015
UCF v. Northern Colorado - Images by UCF Knights
Story by Megan Herboth; Video by Rachel White
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF volleyball team opened the 2015 campaign on a high note, posting a 3-0 win over Northern Colorado in the Holiday Inn Orlando East UCF Area Invitational on Friday afternoon at The Venue.
"That was really an important win for us," head coach Todd Dagenais said. "(Northern Colorado) is a very tough team to play. I think it came down to a serve and pass battle, and I thought we were fortunate to be able to get them out of system."
The Knights dominated the first set, hitting .476 in the 25-11 victory. After falling behind early in the second set, UCF rallied for a 25-23 win, taking a 2-0 lead to intermission. The Knights pushed the Bears early in the third set. They held off a Northern Colorado rally in the middle to claim a 25-19 win and an opening match sweep.
"We weren't expecting much of a crowd for a noon match," Dagenais said. "But it was nice to see the students there, being loud. Parents came out in full force. It was an electric crowd and I think we definitely fed off them."
Bright Spot
? Junior Kia Bright posted a match-high 17 kills, hitting .308 for the match. She just missed a double-double, recording nine kills, and served up an ace.
? The outside hitter made her 44th career start and has never finished with fewer than five kills in a match in which she started.
? The Starke, Fla., native opened the match with a five-kill first set, which she followed with a seven-kill second set. She closed out the match with five kills in set three.
"Honestly, I think it was a slow start for me," Bright said. "I was a little nervous to open up the season. It doesn't matter how many times I do this, it's always the same feeling. Once we got the tempo right, we were on our way."
What a Welcome
? Freshmen Miranda Watkins and Jordan Pingel, along with redshirt freshman Maddie Haggerty made their UCF debuts in a special way - in the starting lineup.
? Watkins dished out a team-best 21 assists. The setter recorded eight digs in her first match as a Knight. Pingel's 12 digs tied for the team-high, and the libero notched her first collegiate kill. Haggerty finished with five kills, a dig and a block assist.
New Faces in the Middle
? After earning spots in the starting lineup in the season opener, sophomores Taylor Wickey and Ann Richards made the most of their opportunities.
? Wickey finished with a career-high nine kills on 12 attempts with no errors for a .750 hitting percentage. Richards finished with five kills and hit .400. Each of the middles finished with a block assist.
"I have big shoes to fill, but I'm really excited to be out there," Wickey said. "It was really exciting to be in the starting lineup and get the win."
Next Up
? UCF hosts Delaware at 7 p.m. in the Friday nightcap of the Holiday Inn Orlando East UCF Area Invitational.
? The Blue Hens are 0-1 on the season after suffering a 2-3 defeat in the tournament opener.
Get Your Tickets
General admission adult season tickets are now available for $30, and youth tickets (ages 2-17 years) are $15 and good for one-general admission seat to all 2015 regular season home matches. General admission single game tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for youth, seniors (55+) and UCF Faculty Staff. Admission is free for UCF students. For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit UCFKnights.com or call 407-UCF-1000.