Sept. 25, 2015
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - Playing in The Venue for the first time in almost a month, the UCF volleyball team fed off the crowd's energy to down UConn in three sets in front of the largest crowd of the season. The Knights improved to 7-6 overall and 1-0 in American Athletic Conference action with the sweep of the Huskies on Friday evening.
"It feels good to be 1-0," head coach Todd Dagenais said. "I'm proud of the way the team stepped up. I'm proud of the energy, the effort, the passion. I think the crowd really had a lot to do with that."
The Knights were led by junior Jale Hervey, who tallied 10 kills and hit .269 on the night. Redshirt freshman Maddie Haggerty added nine kills and hit .375. Both redshirt sophomore Taylor Wickey and sophomore Ann Richards finished with four kills and no errors in the match.
Digging the Defense
? UCF's defensive effort kept several plays alive in all three sets and the Knights posted 44 digs to UConn's 32. Four Knights finished with seven or more digs, led by freshman Jordan Pingel's 15.
? Junior Taylor Gallart kept several plays alive by getting a hand under the ball in the first set. She finished with seven digs on the night.
It's Good To Be Home
? The Knights played in front of 844 fans on Friday evening, the largest crowd of the season.
? UCF opens the conference season playing seven of its first nine matches on its home court. Last season, the Knights opened league play with six of its first eight matches on the road.
? Prior to the match, the 2014 squad was recognized and a banner was dropped from the rafters to commemorate the NCAA appearance last season. Former Knights DeLaina Sarden, Jade Hayes and Marie Reiterova were on hand for the ceremony.
"The fans were very supportive," senior Dana Faught said. "We haven't played at home in a long time, so it definitely felt good to be in front of the home crowd."
Next Up
? The Knights take on Temple at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Venue. The Owls (10-3, 1-0 AAC) swept USF on Friday.
? General admission single game tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for youth, seniors (62+) 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.
Story by Megan Herboth; Photos by Simone Amaduzzi; Videos by Rachel White and Sandy Jean