Volleyball to play Hoyas

Last week, the USF volleyball team had an impressive three-set victory over Marquette and a four-set loss to Syracuse. USF looks to return to its winning ways Saturday at 2 p.m. as the team hosts the Georgetown Hoyas.

USF coach Claire Lessinger said she believes that having only one game this weekend will give her team an advantage.

“We are very grateful to have this many days to prepare for just one team,” she said. “Normally going into a weekend we have to prepare for two teams, but focusing on Georgetown, who has started strong in the Big East, gives us an opportunity to work on the little things.”

The Hoyas come to Tampa with an overall record of 11-8, 4-2 in the Big East. The Bulls are 12-8 overall, 3-3 in the Big East.

Lessinger said Georgetown has greatly improved this season.

“Georgetown was one of the teams at the bottom of the Big East last year,” she said. “This year, they have come out and proved that they can play with anyone in the Big East. I think we’re going to face a fiery team and we have to bring the right emotions in order to combat that.”

Senior libero Stephanie Augustavo, who had 20 digs in the loss to Syracuse, said this weekend’s match is very important.

USF is ninth in the Big East Conference. Eight teams qualify for the Big East tournament in November.

Augustavo said the Big East is a very difficult conference.

“I feel like a lot of teams are playing at a high level,” she said.