ORLANDO, Fla. – The UCF volleyball team (24-6, 17-1) secured at least a share of the 2021 American Athletic Conference title for the fourth-straight season after defeating Temple (5-23, 1-16) in three sets on Friday night in The Venue with scores of 25-14, 25-2, 25-17 on Senior Knight.
UCF clinched a share with two matches left to go in the regular season while Houston is in the hunt to share with the Knights if it wins out in the last three matches.
The win marks UCF's fifth American title, the most in conference history.
The Knights extended to a 13-game win streak, including five straight sweeps with two more regular season matchups left in the season.
UCF also had its largest set victory under head coach Todd Dagenais, winning the second set in an incredible 25-2.
"You can't script a night like that," head coach Todd Dagenais said, "It was a fitting way to send off our seniors. I was proud of how our team responded to a pressure situation with a chance to clinch at least a share and set up a chance to win it outright in the next match."
Back-to-back-to-back-to-back????
— UCF Volleyball (@UCF_Volleyball) November 20, 2021
We've clinched a share of the 2021 @American_VBall Championship!#ChargeOn? pic.twitter.com/HxZfFkaJrt
McKenna Melville recorded her 15th season double-double with 10 kills, hitting .318, and 11 digs. Katelyn Grimes posted double digits in digs with 10 and Amber Olson led with 34 assists and two aces.
On Senior Knight, Anne-Marie Watson and Nerissa Moravec did what they do best and notched five blocks on the night.
The Knights came out strong, taking the first three points before quickly leading 18-7 after a 6-0 run. Kathryn Wesolich grabbed the final two points with a kill followed by a block assist with Olson to close out the first set, 25-14.
UCF completely dominated the second set, taking the first seven points, 7-0. The Knights then closed out the set on a 16-0 run to win the second in one of the largest possible margins 25-2.
The Knights continued the momentum, scoring the first four points of the third. Temple then started heating up, staying close by at 11-9. But UCF kept charging and Moravec sealed the set win with a kill in 25-17.
TODD'S THOUGHTS
[On the seniors]
You are looking at the most prolific graduating class at least in the modern history of UCF volleyball. There has not been a more successful group of four women in this program. Each of them has contributed in their own ways.
[On clinching]
Where we are right now is because of us practicing what we preach all the way through these matches. And that is to keep building, keep getting better and put ourselves in the position to clinch a co-championship and still have the opportunity to clinch a championship. This is exactly how we drew it up in August.
The Seniors on Senior Knight
Kathryn Wesolich
It was bittersweet. I was excited to get out on the court and play today. The past four years here have been absolutely amazing. I have loved all of my time here, so leaving with a pretty good game at my last home game of the season is awesome and a great feeling.
Anne-Marie Watson
It was indescribable and bittersweet. It has been a lot of fun. Being here for five years and growing up five minutes down the road, it is unreal to know that the time is up. It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman moving into Towers and now I am here five years later at our last home game.
Nerissa Moravec
I think it's awesome that we don't think about the records or the legacy we may leave behind, but we go out there, have fun, and stay together. That has helped us reached those accomplishments. This was a good piece of closer to be able to do that for our fans, each other, family, and our support systems. It is a great feeling to be able to do that together.
Tali Marmen
We had fun tonight, it was clear to see. I don't think it can get better than this. It might be the end for The Venue, but not for the season. It was so exciting to have them play the Israeli national anthem and to have my teammates experience it and be by my side.
UP NEXT
The Knights will close out the regular season on the road at Tulane on Wednesday night, November 24, and at Houston on Friday night, November 26.
FOLLOW THE KNIGHTS
Follow UCF Volleyball on social media on Facebook (/UCF.Volleyball), Twitter (UCF_Volleyball) and Instagram (UCF.Volleyball).
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.