ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com)—The Knights led 2-1 in sets, but ultimately fell 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 25-21, 22-25, 13-15) to the Temple Owls on Friday evening at The Venue.
"I think a lot of people look at this as a NCAA play-in game," head coach Todd Dagenais said. "It was a brutal five-set match, where both teams just left it all on the court. They fought like champions, never gave up, flying everywhere and with so much pride with what they were doing. They were working so hard for the person next to them. I told them that I was proud of them, and that they earned my respect, for going out there and fighting like the champions that they really are."
The Knights (21-9, 11-6 AAC) and Owls (20-7, 13-4 AAC) battled throughout the first set. The game was tied six times with one lead change, when Temple went up 15-14. UCF continued to battle but the Owls went on a 10-8 run to clinch the set 25-22. The Black and Gold came out swinging in the second set, jumping out to a 10-4 lead. The Owls tied to the score twice, but UCF always held on the lead, clinching the set 25-21.
Following the break, the Knights continued their momentum into the third set, jumping ahead to a 10-6 lead. The teams tied the score five times, with the lead changing twice. UCF took a 15-14 lead, and clinched the third set, on a Kia Bright kill. UCF and Temple came out swinging through the fourth set, with the score being tied 11 times, with four lead changes. Unfortunately, a block by the Owls lead to a 9-7 run to force a fifth.
The Owls and Knights traded points to open the fifth set, before Temple pulled ahead 5-2. The Black and Gold called for a timeout before tying it up at five. The Owls pulled ahead again before UCF tied it up at nine. The teams battled back and forth but the Owls went on a 6-4 run to clinch the match.
Outdoing the Opposition
- The Knights recorded more kills, digs, aces and points than the Owls.
- UCF finished with 88 digs in comparison to Temple's 78, while the Black and Gold registered 68 kills versus Temple's 67.
Amazing Alli
- Freshman Alli Sabol registered 13 kills, hitting at a .357 clip.
- The Dublin, Ohio native also posted four blocks and two digs.
Double-Digits
- The Knights had three players finish with double-doubles in the match. Senior Jalé Hervey finished with 19 kills and 18 digs, followed by redshirt junior Kia Bright with 17 kills and 17 digs. Sophomore Miranda Watkins rounded out the group with 29 assists and 24 digs.
- Freshman Alli Sabol posted 13 kills, while sophomore Jordan Pingel made 14 digs. Junior Farah Rajaee tallied 27 assists.
Up Next
- UCF wraps up play at home against UConn on Sunday.
- The Knights host the Huskies at 1 p.m. at The Venue for Senior Day.
- The Black and Gold will honor Halle Scott, Jalé Hervey and Taylor Gallart.
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