ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF volleyball team wrapped its first week of preseason practice with its annual Black and Gold Scrimmage on Saturday afternoon in The Venue.
Rotating players between the two teams, Team Black topped Team Gold 3-1. The Black squad opened with a 26-24 victory, before claiming sets two and three 25-20, 25-21, respectively. The Gold team closed the scrimmage with a 25-22 win.
In unofficial stats, sophomore McKenna Melville led all players with 28 kills to go along with 11 digs, three blocks and an ace. Junior Anne-Marie Watson finished with 12 kills. Freshman MaKenzie Chambers and redshirt junior Nerissa Moravec each tallied nine kills. All three setters saw action and each finished with at least 20 assists.
Todd’s Thoughts:
“I think we showed like a team who is still in the process of becoming the type of team we want to be on the floor. That’s not to be unexpected at all for this time of the year. Our players are patiently going through the process of getting better as individuals and more cohesive as a team.
Our ability to serve is going to be a big part of our game this year. We are also going to have to improve our ability to handle the ball in serve-receive and defensive situations.
We definitely feel as if we have the fire power from many different angles on the court; we just have to find a way to get them the ball under the best conditions.
I think our returning players have certainly set a tone, but I think all of our newcomers have really elevated the intensity in the gym. That intensity is certainly showing right now. Now it’s about going back to work on Monday and improving the things we need to get better at to be the team we want to be.”
UCF rounds out preseason with an exhibition contest at Florida on Aug. 24. The Knights officially open the 2019 campaign on Aug. 30 at the Rebel Classic, hosted by Ole Miss.