USF Closes Out Tourney With Win

[Brad]

Courtesy USF

USF Closes Out Tourney With Win

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. (Sept. 2, 2007) –  Kristina Fabris posted a career-high 26 kills and Marcella Gurgel added 21 as the University of South Florida volleyball team defeated Fordham, 3-1 (30-25, 27-30, 30-13, 34-32), on Sunday afternoon at the Western New York Invitational. 

The Bulls record now improves to 2-1 on the season and Fordham drops to 4-4.

“We were very streaky against Fordham today and we continued to change line-ups in search of consistency,” coach Claire Lessinger said. “We dominated game three because of huge performances by Marcela and Kristina. Winning game four after trailing most of the match was a big accomplishment.  Today we had a chance to experience high-pressure situations and test our go-to hitters. This weekend proved that we have significant talent and depth, but plenty to still work on.”

Fabris and Gurgel each posted a double-double on the day, tallying 17 and 16 digs respectively. Junior Stephanie Augustavo led all players with 24 digs, while sophomore Alli Arbogast netted six total blocks for the team high and a new personal best.

Fabris also earned all-tournament honors with her performance in the three matches. She recorded a total of 49 kills and 36 digs and posted two double-doubles. Fabris also moved up in the career record books with her 26 kills on Sunday, taking possession of eighth place with 1,053 kills.

The Bulls got off to a quick start in the match and put together an all-around solid effort on the court. USF’s offense out-played Fordham, hitting .238 to the Rams’ .145. The Bulls also played well at the net and came up with 10 total blocks, while Fordham only had five.

Both teams traded the first two sets. USF got the game-one win, battling back from a very early deficit. After the Bulls tied the game at 11-11, they never looked back en route to the win. Game two was close from the start and featured eight tie scores and four lead changes. The Rams eventually broke out of the stalemate and closed out for the victory. 

In the third game, the USF offense dominated from first serve and continued throughout for the 30-13 win. Fabris netted six kills and freshman Allie Boaz chipped in four. The Bulls hit a stellar .467 to the Rams’ .091, and USF posted four aces while Fordham didn’t tally one. 

With game four set as the deciding match, Fordham and USF battled closely from the start. The Rams jumped out to the early lead, 15-10. The Bulls tried to cut into the deficit, but Fordham’s offense continued to produce. With the score 20-15, USF went on an 8-2 run to take the lead, 23-22. Both teams traded points and the lead until Gurgel posted consecutive kills for the final two points and the match victory. 

The Bulls will continue tournament action Sept. 7-8 at the Wright State Raider Challenge in Dayton, Ohio.