ORLANDO – The Knights made quick work of ECU Friday night at The Venue, sweeping the Pirates in three sets to move to 9-1 on the year and remain undefeated in conference play.
"I think we just never really let [ECU] get going," said head coach Todd Dagenais. "In terms of our serving game, we were really able to keep them out of system. They are a great team… I'm sure tomorrow they are going to come back and try to get it going."
UCF junior Tali Marmen posted a career high eight service aces in the match, an average of almost three per set. Marmen was just one ace shy of tying the UCF record of nine service aces, set by Lorin Lukas in 2006.
"I'm really proud of [Marmen]," said Dagenais. "She has been trying to get back into volleyball shape again… we had been taking her out of the back row to begin the season, but she is a good passer… she is getting more and more consistent with her serves and her serving game was on point tonight."
Marmen also hit .333 in the match for eight kills and helped on defense to the tune of nine digs, also a season high.
Overall in the match, the Knights seemed to be in control at all points throughout the game, clinching every set by seven points or more to secure the sweep.
UCF also got solid contributions from right side hitters Anne-Marie Watson and MaKenzie Chambers. Watson had 10 kills and five total blocks while Chambers chimed in with eight kills and a block assist.
Junior McKenna Melville posted 13 kills and a season-high 15 digs for her fifth straight double-double of the season.
The black and gold will square off against the pirates for round two at The Venue two Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The match will be live streamed on ESPN+.
DAGENAIS DIALOUGE:
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