Four Bulls had double-digit kills, as USF combined for 14 blocks
MUNCIE, IND., AUG. 30, 2019 – The USF volleyball team began its quest for a second-consecutive postseason appearance with a four-sets victory over UAB to open the Ball State Tournament in Muncie, Ind. (21-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-22).
After dropping the opening set of 2019, the Bulls (1-0) stormed back to win the final three behind stellar play at the net and efficiency on the offensive end. Four Bulls tallied double-digit kills, while the team had 14 total blocks collectively.
Notables
- Freshman middle blocker Ally Barnhart (Lenexa, Kan.) had 10 kills and four blocks in her collegiate debut.
- Sophomore outside hitter Lindsey Pliapol (Daytona Beach, Fla.) paced USF with 15 kills.
- Sophomore setter Lauren LaBeck (Chicago) had 25 assists and 11 digs.
- Sophomore libero CC Clausen (The Woodlands, Texas) had 25 digs to lead the match, doling out five assists as well.
- Freshman outside hitter Jac St. Cin (St. Petersburg, Fla.) had 10 kills on just 19 attacks to go along with
Key Stats
3 – Bulls that recorded double-doubles. Senior preseason all-conference selection Jac’cara Walker (Gainesville, Fla.) had 12 kills and 12 digs. Pliapol finished with 11 digs and LaBeck had her first double-double of the season as well.
.319 – USF’s hitting percentage in the match.
.389 – Sophomore right side hitter Peyton Thompson (Spartanburg, S.C.) had a career best eight kills, hitting .389.
Quotables
“I’m really proud of the way we bounced back in the final three sets. Ally had a break out effort, both blocking and attacking in her collegiate debut. CC was excellent on defense and in serve reception. I thought we served very tough as a team and that allowed us to transition well on offense. Our setters did very nice job distributing the offense and our right sides both did great scoring points.” – head coach Courtney Draper.
Up Next
The Bulls are back in action at 7 p.m. Friday against Ball State on ESPN+, wrapping up the Ball State Tournament. Like USF, the Cardinals also appeared in the NIVC last season and opened the day with a 3-0 win over UAB.
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.
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