ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com)--- UCF Volleyball closes the regular season on the road. The Knights face Tulane on Wednesday at 1 p.m. and Houston on Friday at 2 p.m.
Last Time Out
- The Black and Gold (22-9, 12-6 AAC) went 1-1 last weekend, defeating UConn and falling to Temple in a close five-set battle.
- Senior Jalé Hervey led the team with 33 kills, hitting at a .223 clip, three aces, 32 digs, averaging 3.56 digs per set and six blocks.
- Freshman Alli Sabol posted 27 kills, hitting a .308 clip on the weekend. Sophomore Jordan Pingel recorded 34 digs, averaging 3.78 digs per set.
- Freshman Jeanne Westney made 14 blocks, three solo and 11 assists, averaging 1.56 blocks per set.
Head Coach Todd Dagenais on last weekend: "Looking back on the weekend, we know we missed an opportunity to solidify a slot in the NCAA tournament. We also know that it was not our only opportunity. We still have two matches to go and chance to improve our position. The match against Temple was really an epic battle between two teams with very high desires to win. When it came down to it, they made one more play than we did and were able to take the match under the thinnest of margins. I was really proud of how the team collected themselves, re-dedicated themselves (to their goals) and came out fighting against UConn. Although it wasn't a match that we felt we played our best, we played well enough to win, especially in the critical points of the first and last set. It was a really important win for us as we continue to push forward and build the best resume we can. I love how the team is supporting each other. We (the coaching staff) are all really enjoying watching them pick each other up in times of struggle and celebrate in times of triumph."
Scouting the Green Wave
- Tulane (17-13, 9-9 AAC) went 1-1 last weekend, defeating East Carolina but falling to Cincinnati.
- Sarah Ray leads the team with 427 kills, averaging 3.59 kills per set and hitting at a .246 clip.
- Justine Bowers leads the Green Wave in assists with 747, averaging 10.23 assists per set.
- Kaylie McHugh sits atop of the group with 377 digs, averaging 5.16 digs per set.
- Sarah Strasner has 63 total blocks this season (15 solo and 48 assists).
Dagenais on Tulane: "Jim has done an amazing job resurrecting the program at Tulane. You can tell they have new life, and a newly found passion for the game again. They remind me so much of where we were that first year back in 2008. They have followed a similar course. The belief in themselves and desire to be anything other than what they were before is a very powerful motivator. We will go in there motivated as well. We do not want our season to end this week. It's a great opportunity for the team to show how much they care about each other and want to play for each other. They have done that so many times this year. I wouldn't expect anything less from them."
Scouting the Cougars
- Houston (5-24, 0-18 AAC) went 0-2 last weekend, falling to both Cincinnati and East Carolina.
- Brianna Lynch and Sarah Afflerbaugh have registered 272 and 271 kills, respectively, this season.
- Keandra McCardell leads the Cougars with 699 assists so far this season.
- Libero Katie Karbo has made 465 digs this season.
- Chenelle Walker sits atop of the team with 67 blocks, eight solo and 59 assists.
Dagenais on Houston: "I've been around long enough to know that the teams who have had a season they are disappointed in are also the most deadly in the final week of play. It doesn't matter how much you struggled, if you win that last match of the year it sets up the future with positive energy. They will be more than ready to play us, and having nothing to lose, I expect they are going to empty the cannons on us. We don't overlook anyone and we respect every team as if they were 20-0. We will be ready to finish the regular season on a high note."
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