SAN FRANCISCO-- In the team's home opener, USF women's volleyball displayed an efficient offensive performance and prevailed to a straight set win over the Columbia Lions- 25-21. 25-19. 25-22.
The Dons hit a .290 average for the game after compiling 39 kills on 100 attempts. Freshman Kate Ashman had her best performance thus far in her young career as a Don- recording 11 kills and three service aces. She also assisted on the defensive front with five block assists. Senior Emily Reed had another game with double-digit kills (10). Tyna Adamcikova continue to shine, as the native of Czech Republic scored 11 kills.
On the defense, junior Kim Gutierrez led USF with her third straight game with double-digit digs (10). The experienced libero also served three aces.
USF came out with a flurry in the opening moments to lead Columbia 8-1. Reed compiled two early kills in the opening frame. After four unanswered points for the visiting Lions, the Dons extended their lead back to four off a kill from junior Nora Buvarp Lavik. Despite getting as close to one point of USF's lead the Lions could not overcome the early deficit due to four service errors in the opening set.
The second set went back-and-forth as both teams answered each other's calls. Tied at four all, Adamcikova delivered an authoritative kill to the left side of the Lions' defense. Ashman, a 6-3 middle blocker, increased the Dons lead off a finesse kill in the middle of the floor. Columbia. The Dons would eventually lose their lead off a mini run from Columbia, but would regain the advantage when Adamcikova completed another fantastic kill off an assist from Reed. The Dons would never look back again for the rest of the set, as the team completed a 25-19 win in the second set.
USF faced a stiff test in the third frame, as they fell in an early three point deficit. The Dons would claw their way back to tie the game later in the set, as Gutierrez delivered two straight aces to tie the match, 11-11. Tied 16 apiece, USF regained the one point edge off another Adamcikova kill. The third set would continue to be nail biter as neither team could gain separation. Tied at 21-21, the Dons would score two straight off an impressive defensive slide and block from Adamcikova, and Ashman's 10th kill of the match. The duo would clean up the game with consecutive kills to give the Dons a win in their home opener.
USF will take the court again tonight at 6:30 p.m. PDT against the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers (4-0).
