Although they never grabbed a game win, B-CU put Central Florida on their heels most of the match and played strong. However, B-CU fell to UCF 3-0 in games of 25-22, 25-15, 25-19. There were many positives for the coach staff and fans to get out of tonight's loss, as B-CU played like a team on a mission, but were overpowered by UCF's taller lineup.
In the first game, B-CU came out firing and jumped out to a 5-2 lead on the knights, but the Knights climbed back in and pushed on top. The Lady Wildcats kept the game within reach the entire time, which featured four tied scores.
The knights pushed through with the Wildcats on the attack, finishing the game 25-22. The second game results were much more comfortable for the visiting UCF, as they jumped out to a big lead and pushed it through the final, winning 25-15.
However, B-CU players kept their cool and bounced back in the third game. Again the Lady Wildcats came out on the attack, creating a four-point lead, and looking strong. UCF wasn't to be held down and they made a scoring run to take the lead and hold on to win 25-19.
The Lady Wildcats looked extremely good tonight against quality SunBelt Conference competition, always keeping the knights off balance. There was a significant improvement since the first two matches of the season, as only two Lady Wildcats finished with a negative hitting percentage, while four hit over .275, and the team hit .182.
Pacing B-CU against UCF, Chelle Ticeson finished with 11 kills and a .450 hitting percentage, followed by freshman Krysta Gardner with nine (hitting .278). Defensively, Jessica Wilson topped the Lady Wildcats with seven digs, followed by Krysta Gardner and Jacqueline Woodyear with six each. Daryl Rodriguez again topped all setters, recording 16 assists in the match.
The Lady Wildcats fall to 0-3 on the season as they head out on the road for two tournament stops. B-CU opens play at the Mercer Bear Brawl on Friday, Sept. 4, facing Furman at 3:00 pm EST.