Balanced attack plays key role in road sweep

The Knights (6-15, 1-6), traveled to Memphis, Tenn., Friday to take on Conference USA opponent Memphis University. It was a clean sweep for the Knights, who took the match in three with scores of 25-19, 26-24 and 25-23.

The win was a team effort by the Knights as seven of their players recorded at least three kills, and no one hit a double-double for the first time in a UCF victory. Their hits went above a .500 for the first time this season, a huge milestone for the Knights as they continue to play for their last chance to win a C-USA championship.

“[Even] though we had low-kill numbers individually, we did a great job of being where we needed to be and having several different players pick up key kills when we needed them the most," acting head coach Michelle Chatman said in a press release. "Tory [McCutcheon] hit .500 for the match and it seemed like every one of her kills came in a big moment that turned momentum.”

Some standout players in the match were McCutcheon, redshirt junior Angelica Crump and sophomore Ashley Gialenios, who each recorded seven kills in the match. 

Redshirt sophomore Marie Reiterova had 25 assists and senior Meredith Murphy led the defense with 16 digs. Redshirt junior DeLaina Sarden was a force in the middle as she recorded six kills and six blocks.

“Marie and Dana [Faught] both did a great job of spreading the wealth offensively and making sure a lot of our attackers got quality swings. It was … definitely a team effort tonight and it was led by the setters,” Chatman said in the release. 

“I think we’re the most dangerous when we can attack teams from multiple angles and directions. Defenses can’t key in on one or two specific players, which makes us that much more different to defend.”

The Knights traveled to play UAB on Sunday for their second conference match of the weekend. Results of the match were not available at time of press.