ORLANDO - Three dominating wins solidified UCF volleyball’s opening weekend as one to remember, with head coach Matt Botsford and his first-year staff beginning their tenure in style.
Two marquee pieces in the brilliant display have secured honors as the Black and Gold Classic Most Valuable Player and All-Tournament Team was announced Monday Afternoon.
Fourth-year Knight Abby Schomers, the longest tenured on a fresh and exciting roster, secured MVP after an even 100 assists to continue her climb up the record books. UCF’s representative on the all-tournament team was Reaghan Thompson, who fired off 26 kills, including a team-leading 15 on opening night.
Each participating team had one player named to the All-Tournament team, while the winning program had a player named MVP
Black and Gold Classic All-Tournament Team
MVP: Abby Schomers (S) - UCF
- Sydney Jackwin (OH) - Chattanooga
- Gabrielle Gilbert (OH) - Norfolk State
- Jessica Dean (L/DS) - UC Riverside
- Reaghan Thompson (OH) - UCF
With 145 kills to their opponents' 88, the Knights were constantly getting good looks courtesy of Schomers. The redshirt junior was composed throughout the three-match sweep, dishing out 100 assists while providing defensive support at the net.
On opening night, her 42 assists marked the 19th time she has tallied 40 or more in a match, pushing her to eighth all-time in career assists. With 2,126 to her name, she will look to continue soaring up the record books while leading a potent Knights attack.
Thompson, who was suiting up in black and gold for the first time this weekend, complimented an aggressive offensive unit with flexibility across the court. Her 15 kills led the team against Chattanooga, while 10 blocks across the weekend also paced UCF.
UP NEXT
The Knights will embark on their first road trip of the season as they make the trip south to Miami for the 305 Challenge, hosted by FIU. UCF will face Stetson on Friday, before matches with Miami on Saturday and the hosts on Sunday.