Game Notes
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com)-- UCF Volleyball heads out on its first conference road trip this weekend. The Knights take on East Carolina on Friday before facing Cincinnati on Sunday.
Senior Jalé Hervey was named the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week following her outstanding performances last week against USF and Memphis. The Huntsville, Ala., native recorded 37 kills, 17 digs and hit at .394 clip. The outside hitter averaged 6.17 kills per set and 2.83 digs per set.
Last week, the Knights went 2-0 to open conference play, defeating both USF and Memphis in straight sets. Sophomore Jordan Pingel registered 35 digs, averaging 5.83 digs per set, while freshman Jeanne Westney tallied nine total blocks (one solo, eight assists), averaging 1.5 blocks per set.
Four players rank first in the conference in three categories. Hervey leads the league in total points (265.5) and total kills (235). Westney stands in first in total blocks (66). The middle blocker is tied for 10th in the country in solo blocks this season with 16.
Scouting the Pirates
- The Black and Gold takes on ECU on Friday. The Pirates stand at 10-2.
- Last season, UCF split action with East Carolina, with each team recording a road victory. The Knights have a 12-9 all-time record against the Pirates.
- Last weekend, ECU went 0-2 on the road in conference play, dropping 1-3 decisions to SMU and Tulsa.
- Sydney Darden leads the Pirates with 118 kills, hitting .237 on the year. Setter Sabrina Gonzalez ranks first on the team with 441 assists and 17 aces. On the season, Brandee Markwith has tallied 175 digs averaging 4.07 digs per set.
Dagenais on ECU: "If you look at East Carolina's stats, they are killing 13 balls a game, fairly low error, 10-2 record. That's not the easiest of opening road matches that you would want. They beat us last year on our home turf. If you look at their opponents, they are barely hitting .100 which means that they are doing a great job (with blocking and defense.)"
Scouting the Bearcats
- The Knights close out the weekend with a Sunday match at Cincinnati.
- The Black and Gold holds a 6-3 all-time edge over Cincinnati, however the Bearcats closed the gap last season, tallying two victories.
- The Bearcats split the opening weekend of conference play, going 1-1. Cincinnati defeated Tulsa, 3-2, but fell to SMU, 2-3.
- Jordan Thompson leads the team with 230 kills, hitting .268 on the season. Jade Tingelhoff has tallied 399 assists and 104 digs, while Abby Williams and Carly Nolan have registered 134 digs and 120 digs, respectively. Williams and Nolan also each have 10 aces for the Bearcats.
Dagenais on Cincinnati: "It's easy to pick out a couple of things when you are talking about Cincinnati. They were hands down picked to win the conference this year, so we know we are playing one of the top teams in the conference. They have the best player in the conference on their roster in Jordan Thompson. It isn't just her; she is surrounded by a cast of players that are doing their jobs. Cincinnati has played a tough schedule, and their record reflects it. It is going to be a heck of a road challenge, especially for a Sunday match."
UCF Volleyball is presented by Holiday Inn Orlando East UCF Area. 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, click here or call 407-UCF-1000.