After last week's 3-0 sweep over FAU, senior setter Erin Olson was quoted post game saying: "We know how tough our conference is going to be this year, so we're just happy to get rolling on a good note and get ready for this next weekend, because we have Temple and UConn, and they are really good and tough teams."
UCF looked to keep the momentum going heading into conference play. During the week, the Knights practiced long and hard hoping to add more wins to their already impressive 18-0 American Conference record last year.
"Now we get into the meat of our schedule, our conference, that is really what gets us to the NCAA tournament," Head Coach Todd Dagenais said. "We start 0-0 in conference. This is where it is time to execute, perform, grow up, and get better."
In honor of their AAC title last year, the Knights were presented their championship rings in celebratory fashion prior to the match against UConn. With the Venue rocking, the Black and Gold were ready to seek their first conference win of the 2019 season.
UCF got off to a hot start versus Uconn, going on a 9-0 run in the first set of action. The match was dominated by UCF. UConn had trouble defending their right side of the court, and UCF was able to exploit their weakness. The Knights seamlessly swept UConn, 3-0.
McKenna Melville (20), Anne-Marie Watson (32), and Nerissa Moravec (7). Photo By: UCF Athletics
The volleyball team was once again honored for their 2018 run during the first quarter of the UCF Men's Football game. Conference play also started off this week for football as they hosted UConn as well.
The team was delighted to receive a roaring response from Knight Nation! They also honored former player Jordan Pingel as she was an important member of last year's championship run.
Former UCF Volleyball standout Jordan Pingel, hoisting the American Athletic Conference Trophy. Photo By: Kavtek/UCF Athletics
Jordan Pingel, Kristina Fisher, Paulina Perez Rosas, and Alli Sabol accepting a congratulatory handshake after receiving their trophy Photo By: Kavtek/UCF Athletics
Players from this year's squad, Mary Kate Painter, Paulina Perez Rosas, Faby Ribas Anne-Marie Watson, Dresi Pass and Alli Sabol flex with their new hardware! Photo By: C. Kavtek/UCF Athletics
After the celebration ceremony on Saturday night, the ladies knew it was time to get back to work in their second game of conference play against a tough Temple (9-3) team.
The Knights were able to sweep Temple as well, even though it was a tough match between all three sets. Temple did have a lead at one point, but UCF quickly erased the deficit, winning in 3-0 fashion!
After the game, Dresi Pass was quoted saying "We just have to play as a team. Our overall score (in conference) is 2-0, but at the beginning, its 0-0, and we just want to go out and play that one match."
After the match, the Knights spent some time with St.Lukes Volleyball team, who were in attendance for the game against Temple.
Overall, UCF Volleyball had an eventful weekend! The Knights hope to keep the great momentum going on the road this week as they travel to Cincinnati and ECU. Hopefully, the squad can replicate last week's performance with two more wins over conference opponents to remain undefeated in conference play, a streak they have kept alive since 2017!
CHARGE ON!