BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- Away from the Hilltop for the first time in two weeks of action, USF (4-7) traveled to to CSU Bakersfield for the Roadrunner Classic and in the team's first match, the Dons fought hard but dropped a 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-11) decision to UC Irvine (4-8).

USF was led by senior Emily Reed. The outside hitter eclipsed the double-digit kills mark for the seventh time this season with a team-high 11 kills (.192). Tyna Adamcikova recorded seven kills for USF and freshman middle blocker Kate Ashman recorded four kills (.429). 5-7 setter Trish Koutsoukos tallied 11 assists while junior libero Kim Gutierrez finished with six digs.

In the first game against the Anteaters, USF had an efficient offensive performance- tallying nine kills on 18 total attempts. Despite the balanced offense, the Dons could not slow down UCI as the Anteaters hit at a .500 mark. After a good start, the Dons faced an uphill battle in the middle of the set. Trailing UCI by one, USF would fall behind after the Anteaters went on a 5-0 mini run to take a 16-10 advantage. The deficit would be too much in the first game, as USF would drop a 25-17 decision.

The second game would continue to be a battle for USF. The Dons would fall behind early in the set, but showcase their grit and toughness. Trailing 19-10, USF would rally and go on an extended run to cut the deficit to just five points. Adamcikova would score two service aces, and Reed and Ashman both secured kills to help USF get back into the game. The Anteaters would regain their composure to secure the second game, 25-18.

After dropping the match to UCI, the Dons are slated for a pair of matches tomorrow. USF will open the day against UC Riverside at 12 p.m. and play its final non-conference match against Northern Arizona at 4 p.m.