Schomers Named Black & Gold Classic MVP, Cohen Garners All-Tournament HonorsSchomers Named Black & Gold Classic MVP, Cohen Garners All-Tournament Honors
Jon Rose / UCF Athletics

Schomers Named Black & Gold Classic MVP, Cohen Garners All-Tournament Honors

ORLANDO - Following a dominant weekend from UCF volleyball to open its account in 2026, sweeping the Black & Gold Classic while dropping just a set across three matches, a pair of Knights have garnered honors following their standout performances.

For the second-consecutive season, Abby Schomers has been named the Black & Gold Classic MVP, boasting a remarkable 11.40 assists per set to facilitate an explosive UCF attack throughout the weekend.

The consistent delivery from Schomers led the Knights to a .363 hitting percentage and 16.3 kills per set as the offense shined. Along with the team performance, the fourth-year Knight surpassed 3,000 career assists, becoming just the fifth Knight in program history to achieve the feat.

Her 11.40 assists per set rank second in the Big 12 and 12th in the nation following the opening weekend of play.

Volleyball_VsSasha Cohen | Photo by: Jon Rose

Alongside Schomers was Sasha Cohen, who secured All-Tournament Team honors, after a career weekend on both the offensive and defensive end.

In the season opener against Robert Morris, the redshirt-junior broke her career-high in blocks in just the second set, eventually finishing the night with nine. Against Stony Brook, Cohen raised the bar once again, tallying an even 10 before adding another five against NC State to conclude the weekend with 23 (2.3 per set). 

Her set average leads the conference and ranks fourth in the nation after the opening weekend. Cohen was also a force on the offensive end, boasting 22 kills and an impressive .462 hitting percentage through three matches. Her hitting efficiency also leads the Big 12 and is among the top clips in the nation.

Black & Gold Classic

MVP - Abby Schomers (UCF) - Setter

All-Tournament Team

  • Eva Long (NC State) – Setter
  • Sasha Cohen (UCF) – Middle Blocker
  • Quinn Anderson (Stony Brook) – Outside Hitter
  • Anahi Alvarado (Robert Morris) – DS/Libero

UP NEXT

The Knights will embark on their first road trip of the season, venturing to Wake Forest for a three-match weekend from September 4-6 with tilts against Georgetown, the Demon Deacons and Davidson.

SINGLE GAME AND SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
UCF volleyball single-match and season tickets are on sale now. Be sure to catch all the action in 2026. Tickets can be purchased online at ucfknights.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office at (407) 823-1000.
 
ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program, representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.