ORLANDO, Fla. – The UCF volleyball team (23-6, 16-1) triumphed over War On I-4 rival, South Florida, (7-21, 1-16) for the 18th-straight time on Wednesday night from The Venue and did so in three sets. The Knights extended to a 12-game win streak, including four straight sweeps.
"The team responded well in not getting wrapped up into the emotion of the rivalry," head coach Todd Dagenais, "I was happy with how we handled it coming out of the locker room, how we sustained it, and how we dug ourselves out of a hole."
McKenna Melville notched 21 kills with zero errors to hit .600. She also added four blocks and an ace. Tali Marmen had seven kills and hit .400 while Nerissa Moravec led with five blocks. Claudia Dillon and Anne-Marie Watson each recorded four blocks and Dresden Pass led the team with eight digs.
Amber Olson continues to set the rhythm as she grabbed 35 assists and an ace.
UCF set the tone early leading, 6-2. The Bulls would pull within one point at 7-6, but that was the closest it would ever get. The Knights grabbed a 10-point lead quickly with the help from four-straight kills from Melville. South Florida then had three-straight aces, but it wasn't enough as the Knights took the first set, 25-15.
The Knights grabbed the first four points of the second set before the Bulls came back within two at 9-7. UCF then used three 3-0 runs to walk away fast and lead 20-12. The Knights closed out the set strong to win in 25-16 to go up 2-0 heading into the third.
UCF kept the momentum going into the third, getting out to a 7-3 lead with an ace from Melville. The Knights then went on a 7-0 run to quickly get the 19-7 lead. MaKenzie Chambers came in with two big kills and UCF won the set in 25-16 to win the war in three-straight sets.
TODD'S THOUGHTS
[On the team]
This team is clutch. They have a confidence about them, a willingness to assert themselves against their opponents, and fearless. This team is special.
[On the environment]
This can be a special place. This venue has all the tools to be a special place to play. We've always done well at home because the fans are on top of the floor, in your ear, and hear them cheering for you by name. This is a true college sports environment.
McKenna Melville
[On being a two-way player]
I love to consider myself as a two-way player. I grew up playing libero, setter, and hitter. I grew up playing all positions and have been around volleyball my whole life. I like seeing all different types of the game and all different styles. It helps you grow into the game. I think a chess match is how volleyball is played. It is who is going to move their piece first to win.
UP NEXT
The Knights host Temple at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 19, for their final regular season home match. UCF will celebrate four seniors for Senior Knight.
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