USF defeated Ball State in five sets thanks to Lindsey Pliapol’s 22 kills; Bulls sweep Ball State Tournament; trio named to all-tournament team
MUNCIE, IND., AUG. 30, 2019 – Riding a career high 22 kills from sophomore outside hitter Lindsey Pliapol, the USF volleyball team swept the Ball State Tournament in Muncie, Ind., with a five-set win over the hosts Friday night (25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 21-25, 15-13).
Pliapol (Daytona Beach, Fla.) was a force for the Bulls (2-0) all evening, as the Cardinals (1-1) had no answer. Following 15 kills and 11 digs in a four-set win against UAB to start the afternoon, Pliapol and company opened the match taking the first two sets against Ball State. USF rallied in the fifth and final set like it did for much of 2018, improving to 12-4 in five-set matches over the last three seasons.
Notables
- The Bulls notched their fourth 2-0 start in the last six seasons.
- Pliapol’s career best 22 kills were accompanied by 13 digs, as it was her second double-double of the day. She had 37 kills in both matches Friday, hitting an absurd .382.
- The sophomore was not alone, as freshman outside hitter Jac St. Cin (St. Petersburg, Fla.) had 10 kills for the second-consecutive contest and senior Jac’cara Walker (Gainesville, Fla.) did the same with 10 kills of her own.
- Walker (22 kills, 27 digs) also had two double-doubles on the day and joined Pliapol on the all-tournament team. sophomore right side hitter Peyton Thompson (Spartanburg, S.C.) earned all-tournament recognition, recording 13 kills and eight blocks on the day.
- Freshman middle blocker Ally Barnhart (Lenexa, Kan.) had 10 kills and four blocks in her collegiate debut.
- Sophomore setter Lauren LaBeck (Chicago) had 28 assists and junior setter Rafaela Biegelmeyer (Brazil) had 27.
Key Stats
22 – Pliapol’s career high kills.
6 – Double doubles for USF in both matches.
Quotables
“Both opponents were very strong today and should have great seasons. It was a total team effort against Ball State. Our setters did a really nice job with tempo and Lindsey was on fire. Jac’cara served some great balls in the fifth set in a pressure situation. IT was great to have so many of our players get some quality experience on the first day.” – head coach Courtney Draper.
Up Next
The Bulls return to Florida for the Hurricane Invitational at Miami Sept. 6-7. USF will face FGCU, Auburn and Miami over the two-day tournament.
About USF Volleyball
Head coach Courtney Draper led her team to 20 wins in 2018, the most in her time at USF and the most for the program since 2002. The Bulls appeared in the NIVC, the program’s first postseason trip since 2002. Senior outside hitter Jac’cara Walker led USF with 394 kills and recorded her 1000thcareer kill during the 2018 year, on her way to earning first team All-American Athletic Conference honors. USF returns four starters, including its libero, while welcoming 9 newcomers to the fray in 2019 in the form of two transfers and seven freshmen.
Follow the volleyball team on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.
– #GoBulls –
