Nov. 20, 2015
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - After falling behind early, the UCF volleyball team challenged Memphis, but was unable to complete the comeback. The Knights fell 3-0 to the Tigers in The Venue on Friday evening.
"Obviously this is a result that's disappointing," head coach Todd Dagenais said. "We've had some tough matches this year that have really gone down to the wire where we've competed really hard right down to the last second. Then there's going to be some nights where it's just not there."
Memphis scored the first two points of the night and continued to lead for the entire opening set. UCF (14-15, 8-9 AAC) put together three-point spurts to challenge the Tigers. Jale Hervey pulled the Knights within a point, 18-17, but Memphis pushed its advantage back to three and forced a UCF timeout. The Tigers closed on a 5-1 run to earn the 25-19 set win.
The Knights used a kill from redshirt sophomore Taylor Wickey to score the first point of the second set. Memphis responded with a kill of its own and the teams traded leads in the early going. Sophomore Ann Richards cut the Tiger lead to two, 22-20, out of a timeout, but Memphis closed the set with three straight points to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
UCF took advantage of Memphis miscues early in the third set. Kills from Hervey, Richards and senior Abbie Fleener, along with an ace from junior Shelby Foyer, gave the Knights an 11-7 lead and force Memphis to call a timeout. The Tigers were able to shift the momentum back in their favor and take a 16-15 lead on a kill from Summer Morgan. A kill from Torika Baleilekutu sealed the three-set victory for the Tigers.
Jale Hervey led UCF with nine kills, while Ann Richards tallied five kills on eight attempts for a .625 hitting percentage. Dana Faught finished with a match-high 13 digs and posted a double-double with 16 assists. Richards and Abbie Fleener each had three blocks.
Next Up
• UCF, who is presented by Holiday Inn Orlando East UCF Area, is back at The Venue on Sunday as the Knights host Cincinnati for Senior Day.
• Dana Faught, Abbie Fleener and Shelby Foyer will be recognized following the match during the Senior Day festivities.
Story by Megan Herboth; Video by Rachel White; Photos by Brad Helton