The USF Volleyball team is loaded with new players this season, and the inexperience shown in its 2-6 record. But there has been a bright spot for the Bulls, who play at FAU today at 7 p.m.

Only eight games into the season, freshman Kristina Fabris has picked up accolades for her play. She recently earned all-tournament honors at the Northern Iowa Classic and has posted 3.19 kills per game this season.

Fabris comes to the Bulls from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Before joining the Bulls, she played on the Canadian Junior National team. During her first season, she noticed differences in playing between the United States and Canada.

“It is definitely more intense here,” Fabris said. “Every game is so important. In Canada, we just go out and play and have fun, win or lose.”

The adjustment from playing international ball has been aided by the strong camaraderie from her teammates. She is joined by two other Canadian players, sophomore Johari Williams and junior Kelsi Andrew-Wasylik. The team’s ability to bond has created an easy learning curve for Fabris.

“All of us are a very close group,” she said. “When we’re not at practice we’re hanging out together. It’s made it very easy for me.”

Fabris has dealt with the growing pains of the Bulls’ current losing streak.

“I know that with each game we’re getting better,” she said. “We’ve been practicing really hard to correct some of the mistakes we’ve been making as a team.”

Fabris believes the team has the talent and energy to succeed in future matches.

“One thing I want people to know about this team is that we are a very talented, hard-working group,” Fabris said. “Our record doesn’t show it at the moment, but we have great potential. Even if we were winning every game, we would still be working hard for the next match. You can never be satisfied with your performance. You have to keep working hard, and that’s what we do.”

Fabris hopes to have a long, successful career at USF. As far as academics are concerned, she is still undeclared but is leaning toward a degree in physical therapy. She hopes to continue into graduate work and would still love to play volleyball post-college.

The FAU Owls come into tonight’s match having won five straight matches while the Bulls have dropped five in a row.