Weekend recap: Skublak scores in USF’s first win of season

Tomasz Skublak scored the Bulls' second goal of the season in USF's 1-0 win over Ohio State on Friday night. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE/GOUSFBULLS

USF men’s soccer won its first game of the season Friday night, defeating Ohio State 1-0 in Columbus, Ohio.

Tomasz Skublak scored his second — and USF’s second goal of the season in the 32nd minute off a cross from Jonathan Rosales. The Bulls’ lone goal scorer of the season was then sent off with two seconds remaining in the first half after a sideline scuffle, forcing USF to play with just 10 men for the entire second half.

“I was very proud of their effort and the response from the team,” coach Bob Butehorn told GoUSFBulls.com. “We played a very good game with a full team, and a very good game with a man down. We played a complete game with good effort and it was something we will build upon.”

USF had its chance at more than just the lone goal, posting seven shots on goal on the game. Adrian Billhardt led USF with three shots on goal.

On the other side of the field, goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares stopped all five Ohio State shots on goal to record his first win of the season.

Volleyball Continues Hot Start

USF volleyball had a perfect weekend, winning all three of its matches at the Blackbird Invitational in Brooklyn, New York.

On Friday, the Bulls defeated George Washington in four sets before downing LIU Brooklyn later in the day, also in four sets. The Bulls recorded 12 aces to knock off George Washington. Middle blockers Clara Payne and Jaeden Brown led the way with 13 kills each.

Setter Briana Stowell nearly recorded a triple-double against LIU Brookyln with 44 assists, a career high eight kills and nine digs. LIU Brooklyn’s loss was its first home loss since Sept. 25, 2016.

The Bulls defeated Holy Cross in straight sets Saturday, which was the Bulls’ first of the season. Outside hitter Jac’cara Walker led USF with 11 kills to lead the Bulls to a perfect 3-0 weekend in New York.

“I’m really proud of the team effort this weekend,” coach Courtney Draper told GoUSFBulls.com. “Everyone has a silent confidence about them right now and going 3-0 this weekend feels great.”

The 8-1 start is the Bulls’ best start to a season since 1996, when USF went 11-1 before recording its second loss.

Women’s Soccer Defeats Navy

Evelyne Viens led the way for No. 20 USF women’s soccer on Friday night, scoring two goals in the Bulls’ 2-1 come-from-behind win against Navy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Navy opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a goal off a corner kick before Viens responded with her first goal in the 11th minute. In the 22nd minute, Viens found the back of the net again thanks to a pass by Sydny Nasello to give the Bulls a lead they would never surrender.

Goalkeeper Ricquelle Farquharson recorded two saves in her first career start for USF.

“Friday’s game, as anticipated, was a hard-fought match,” coach Denise Schilte-Brown said. “The organized, disciplined and never-quitting Navy team gave us a strong battle. We are proud of the way the girls finished strong and represented USF on the road.”

The Bulls were supposed to face Delaware on Sunday, also in Annapolis, but the game was canceled due to heavy rain in the area, rendering the field unplayable. The game will not be rescheduled.