ORLANDO, Fla. – The UCF volleyball team (22-6, 15-1) raced past SMU (14-12, 10-6) on Saturday from The Venue with scores of 25-16, 25-21, 25-20.
"This one was an important win," head coach Todd Dagenais said, "This team is hungry, they see the finish line, but they know there are obstacles between where they are and the finish line. This was one of the largest obstacles."
McKenna Melville notched yet another double-double, her 14th of the season, with 17 kills, hitting .351, and 14 digs. She also added three blocks.
Claudia Dillon also came out swinging as she hit .571 for nine kills. Dillon also recorded four blocks.
Amber Olson went four for four on kills, had 36 assists, and four aces on the day while Anne-Marie Watson and Nerissa Moravec each put up three blocks.
The Knights came out swinging with a 5-0 run to lead 6-1 and never let up in the first set. UCF used multiple of runs to get a 10-point lead, 17-7. Amber Olson closed out the set with a kill to win in 25-16.
After dropping the first set, SMU came out in the second strong to get the lead, 6-5, but UCF went on a big 7-0 run 12-6. The Knights continued on to lead 20-12 as Moravec recorded her 500th career block. The Mustangs came back on a 6-0 run to try to make things interesting but the Knights took the second set in 25-21 to lead 2-0, heading into the third.
Knights kept the momentum going with a 5-1 lead, but the Mustangs stayed close to tie the set at 13 after a 4-0 run. UCF got out ahead again before SMU brought it within two points at 22-20. The Mustangs tried to battle, but it wasn't enough as UCF secured the match win with a 25-20 win in the third.
The Knights extend their win streak to 11 straight and get their 14th sweep of the season.
TODD'S THOUGHTS
[On Nerissa Moravec's 500th career block]
I am really excited to hear this. She goes out there day in and day out asking how she can help this team. It is awesome that she got her 500th today. That is what she does for this team. She is such a solid blocker and we build our blocking assignments around her. I am so proud of her.
[On McKenna Melville]
McKenna has a chance that she walks out as the most successful player in the program. But she has her attitude right. She is fierce competitor. She passes, plays defense, blocks, and obviously attacks. She is also our leader in aces. She is a sixth-tool player. Having her on the team has been wonderful.
UP NEXT
The Knights host the War On 1-4 against South Florida on Wednesday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m. from The Venue.
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