Hometown Beatdown
With a weekend sweep at the Crimson Classic preceding the Knights’ second Big 12 contest, UCF controlled its meeting with Cincinnati from start to finish to secure the program’s 800th DI win all-time. Aggressive efforts from the back row and consistent presence at the net stifled a Cincinnati attack that entered the contest with the 10th best hitting percentage in the nation, holding the Bearcats to a minimal .141 mark. English matched her season-high of 16 kills in her most efficient night in Black and Gold, boasting a remarkable .500 hitting percentage with 16 kills on just 28 attempts.
The outing stands as her eighth match recording double-digit kills this season. Armour’s consistency in attack has been a driving factor for one of the league’s best offenses, with the junior recording her 11th double-digit kill performance of the season. For reference, Armour has secured 10 or more kills in a match more times than she hasn’t since making her collegiate debut in 2023, with 39 10-plus-kill outings in 63 career matches.
Well-Rounded
A consistent attack and formidable defense rank the Knights among the nation’s best in multiple statistical categories. UCF ranks top-25 in aces per set (20th, 2.04), hitting percentage (23rd, 0.284), kills per set (20th, 13.96) and opponent hitting percentage (20th, 0.156), one of just two teams in the NCAA to do so (Michigan State) and the only team in the Big 12.
Adding in assists per set, blocks per set and digs per set, only seven other teams in the country feature among the top-25 in four or more of the categories, with UCF being the only squad in the Big 12 to do so. The Knights lead the conference in aces per set, in large part behind the efforts of the NCAA leader Skylar English, who has 0.93 aces per set.
Reaghan Makes History
For the first time in program history, a Knight has secured a Big 12 weekly honor. Announced by the league office on Sept. 23, Reaghan Thompson secured Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after a brilliant weekend at the Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa. The Texas native tallied a season-high 12 blocks against Memphis, the most by a Knight since Nerissa Moravec’s 14 blocks at Houston on Nov. 26, 2021. Moreover, the total propelled Thompson past 400 career blocks, becoming one of 11 active DI players with 400-plus to their name.
Her total of 12 against the Tigers propelled the Knights to 14 team blocks during the win, the most in a single-match since another 14-block performance at Houston on Nov. 4, 2023. While her defensive efforts secured her the weekly defensive honor, her attacking ability is what makes her one of one. Thompson is the only active DI player with 800-plus kills (856) and 400-plus blocks (418) in her their career.
English 101
English is the nation’s most prolific server, leading the NCAA with 38 service aces through 13 matches, also leading in aces per set (0.98). The position is fitting to English as she’s also the active DI leader in career aces (210), having surpassed the 200-mark with a career-high nine aces against Memphis, matching the UCF program record set by Lorin Lukas on Sept. 16, 2006, against Troy.
English’s offensive prowess doesn’t end at the service line, as her 3.27 kills per set rank second on the team and 13th in the Big 12, while 4.35 points per set rank ninth in the conference and second on UCF. Her nine aces against Memphis were the second-most by a player in the NCAA this season in a four-set match, trailing only Alabama’s Hannah Parant, who totaled 10 of her own against the Tigers the day prior.
Armour Up
After another stellar season in 2024, which saw her lead the Knights in kills (277) and points (324.5), Armour was tabbed to the Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Team (one of 18 athletes), voted upon by the league’s head coaches. Through 13 matches, the Colorado native has backed up the expectations with team-leading efforts on offense. With an impressive 12 kills against Cincinnati, the outing marked her 11th double-digit-kill performance of the season.
Moreover, Armour has secured 10 or more kills in a match more times than she hasn’t since making her collegiate debut in 2023, with 39 10-plus-kill outings in 63 career matches. Armour secured MVP honors of the Knights Invitational after tallying 129 kills and eight service aces, pacing the Knights with 61.5 points. Against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 13, she set career-highs in points (25) and aces (five). She tallied 19 kills in back-to-back contests against FAU and Brown, the most throughout a two-match stretch in her career. Among Big 12 players, she is eighth in both kills per set (3.91) and points per set (4.37).
