ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com)-- UCF Volleyball returns to The Venue to host the Holiday Inn Orlando East UCF Area Classic this weekend. The Knights face Florida Atlantic, LSU and Seattle University in the three-day tournament.
On Sunday, UCF will mark the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by honoring the men and women who risked their lives while also thanking those locally who serve and protect us daily. All first responders and dispatchers will receive free admission for themselves and one guest, along with a commemorative lapel pin.
"It's going to be nice to be back at home on our new floor," said head coach Todd Dagenais. "We wanted to schedule teams that prepare us. Fans will be able to see a lot of different styles of volleyball, a lot of athleticism and I think our team will be ready to play."
The Knights open the weekend against Florida Atlantic on Friday at 11 a.m. The last time the two teams met was 2013. UCF took the first two sets from FAU before falling closely in the last three. Taylor Gallart led the group with 13 kills, 11 digs and one assist. The Owls enter the bout with a 4-3 record, sweeping the USF Tournament with wins over Georgetown, Stetson and Western Carolina.
The last LSU-UCF meeting came in 2004, when the Knights fell 3-1. The two teams take the court on Friday at 7 p.m. The Tigers enter the contest with 2-4 record, after dropping matches to UConn, Virginia and Southern Mississippi at the Tiger Classic.
The Knights cap off the weekend with a match against Seattle on Sunday at 2 p.m. The Redhawks enter the competition with a 4-3 record. Seattle fell to Oregon on Tuesday evening while going 2-1 in the Seattle/Washington Tournament last weekend. The Redhawks beat Idaho and Villanova, but came up short against Washington. The teams met in Miami last season, with Seattle edging UCF 3-1. Jalé Hervey led the team with 14 kills, hitting .229, four digs and a solo block.
UCF Volleyball is presented by the Holiday Inn Orlando East UCF Area. For this weekend's tournament only, the purchase of one ticket will get you into all of the day's matches as long as you can produce your ticket stub.
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.