TEMPE, Ariz. - The UCF women’s volleyball team fell in three sets to No. 8 Arizona State on Friday in the Desert Financial Arena.
The Knights (9-18, 2-15 Big 12) tallied 35 kills and seven blocks while the Sun Devils (29-2, 17-1) recorded 39 kills and four blocks.
Emily Wilson led the Knights in kills totalling 14, followed by Alexia Kuehl with eight. Abby Schomers led the charge in digs recording nine on the day.
Arizona State got off to an early lead in the first set, notching the first three points. A kill from Wilson and a service ace from Katelyn Grimes ignited the Knights as they chipped away the Sun Devils lead. The Knights were able to tie the set at 10 during a 4-0 run that featured two kills by Wilson. The Black and Gold could not maintain the momentum, as the Sun Devils went on a 5-0 run, ultimately winning the set, 25-19.
Opening up the second set, Kuehl tied it early at two with a kill. Going on a 4-0 scoring run led by Sasha Cohen, the Knights were able to get within one at 10-9. Avah Armour looked strong, recording four kills, one of which to end a Sun Devil scoring run. The Knights were unable to catch the lead as Arizona State took the set, 25-16.
The Knights went back and forth with the Sun Devils to open up the third set. A 5-0 run led by a kill from Kuehl allowed the Black and Gold to take the lead in the middle of the set. The two squads continued to trade points until a few UCF errors allowed Arizona State to take the third and final set, 25-21.
The Knights end their second season in the Big 12 with a 9-18 record, going 2-15 in conference play.