University of Houston
UCF
Houston Falls to UCF in Straight Sets
10/7/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
TAMPA, Fla. -- The University of Houston Volleyball team fell 3-0 (20-25, 19-25, 20-25) to UCF on Friday afternoon inside The Corral.
With the decision, the Cougars dropped to 5-11 overall and 0-5 in American Athletic Conference play, while the Knights improved to 14-4 overall and 4-1 in league action.
Junior setter Keandra McCardell posted 20 assists to move into eighth all-time in the Houston record books. The native of Missouri City, Texas, sits at 2,509 career assists, 31 assists shy of LaShelle Dobson (2,540; 1985-88).
Outside hitters Megan Duncan and Brianna Lynch led the Cougars offensively with eight kills each. Junior outside hitter Sarah Afflerbaugh finished with seven kills.
Freshman libero Katie Karbo recorded a game-high 19 digs, marking the 11th time this season she has led all players. Afflerbaugh, Duncan and McCardell all finished with six digs.
UCF's Jale Hervey led all with 11 kills. Setters Miranda Watkins and Farah Rajaee finished with 17 and 11 assists, respectfully. Kia Bright posted 14 digs, while Jordan Pingel dug up 12 balls.
The Knights outhit Houston .263-.081, holding a 37-33 edge in kills, 51-41 advantage in digs and 8-4 mark in blocks.
UCF controlled the pace of play early taking a 10-5 lead. However, the Cougars rallied with a 6-3 surge, getting two kills from Duncan, to pull within two points at 13-11. Both teams traded rallies as UCF built its lead back to five points at 22-17, later taking the opening set 25-20.
The Knights jumped out 11-3 on Houston in the second set, forcing the Cougars again to rally. Houston narrowed the gap with a 9-5 run to pull within four points, but UCF's lead never wavered en route to the 25-19 final.
In the third set, McCardell got the Cougars off to a quick start with two service aces to force a timeout by the Knights. After trading points, UCF eventually retook the lead at 14-13 and outlasted Houston 11-7 down the stretch to close the match in straight sets.
Friday's match was moved to the USF campus on Wednesday after projections showed Hurricane Matthew hitting Orlando, Fla.
UP NEXT
The Cougars will conclude their business inside The Corral facing USF in a noon serve on Sunday.
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SHASTA PASS
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The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $5 for all four sports. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
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