ORLANDO – The UCF volleyball team wrapped up its preseason with an exhibition victory over the FAU Owls on Monday.
The Knights were consistent in their win over the Owls, sweeping them in three sets (25-22, 25-14, 25-13) before both teams agreed to play a fourth and final set. UCF went on to win the final set as well, 25-21.
"It's nice to get back to something that feels a little bit more normal," said head coach Todd Dagenais. "It is creating a lot of happy souls just being able to be together and play the game we love."
Anne-Marie Watson led the charge for the Knights with 10 kills while hitting at a .500 clip. Tali Marmen, Kathryn Wesolich and McKenna Melville each contributed with four or more kills of their own to lead the Knights to victory.
Defensively, Arianna Arjomand shined in her UCF debut, turning in eight digs, while Wesolich, Watson and Nerissa Moravec each contributed with four or more block assists.
The Knights and Owls will be back at it to officially kick off their respective regular seasons on Tuesday, Jan. 26 in The Venue.
DAGENAIS DIALOUGE:
[On preparing for opening day on Tuesday]
"We have to put together a strong game plan for tomorrow because we saw in the first set, it was a battle. Offensively, we were hitting close to .500. I'm not sure we can expect much more out of our offense that that, but defensively, we have to do better."
[On the team's physical shape]
"I think our strength and conditioning trainer, Jeremy [Fradin], has done a great job with this team… I think over the Christmas break, we lost a bit of conditioning, but it's hard because gyms are closed. This year has really been about doing the best you can with what you have to work with. When they came back in January, Jeremy has put them in a good position again. Now, it's our job as coaches to make sure we don't push our athletes too much."
[On the newcomers]
"There was a lot excitement toward the end of the match when players were getting to see their first action and getting to get a taste of what it feels like to play at the collegiate level and play for UCF. For some, they rose to the occasion, while for others, it was kind of an eye-opening experience that they will learn from. Either way, we're gaining some positives from it."
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