Game-winning kill gives USF volleyball victory over ECU
USF women’s volleyball and East Carolina matched each other kill for kill during Friday’s match, but the Bulls edged out their opponent in the final moments of the fifth set to take a 3-2 victory.
South Florida (7-10, 1-4 AAC) won the first two sets with a score of 25-18, but ECU (8-11, 3-4 AAC) responded by winning the next two sets 25-22 and 25-19. After a reversed score decision, the Bulls were able to prevail in the fifth set 17-15.
In the final set, sophomore middle blocker Tizi Puljiz’s lone kill clinched the match for USF. Puljiz was ready to help her team after sitting out the set prior.
“I really wanted to score and get the W for us, so just swing super hard and as close as I can, that was my mindset,” Puljiz said.
The Bulls’ defense throughout the match was what set the tone for the game. USF held ECU to a hitting percentage of .126, with 44 kills. USF also blocked the Pirates seven times. Sophomore middle blocker Makayla Washington said blocking is what won them the game.
“Our blocking defense was amazing. We lined up the balls perfectly,” Washington said. “We slowed down a lot of hard balls that could have ended in a play for the other team, so I thought that was really good.”
Washington posted 10 kills on the night. She returned from injury Oct. 7 against Tulane, and Friday was her first game in the Corral since August 2021. The sophomore middle blocker was filled with excitement to play in front of the fans again.
“I love nothing more than to be here surrounded by our fans, the people we love, our home court,” Washington said. “For me personally, this is my first time playing on the court in almost two years. It’s unreal. I love being here … it’s nerves and angst at first, but at the end of the day, it’s all you can ask for.”
For South Florida, several players contributed to the winning effort. Junior outside hitter Marta Cvitkovic led the Bulls with 17 kills followed by senior middle blocker Ally Barnhart who posted 10. Senior setter Kelsey O’Loughlin had a double-double contributing 44 assists and 10 digs.
With Friday’s win, the Bulls were able to get back into the winning column after dropping their last five matches.
The Bulls will be back at the Corral to take on Temple on Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
More Stories
COLUMN: Cherish the press box moments
I still remember standing at mid-field as USF Football celebrated its Boca Raton Bowl win over Syracuse. Picture this scene: The crowd rushes to the field to surround the team and catch a glimpse of the Boca Raton Bowl trophy. “Go Bulls” echoed throughout the stadium, and green and gold confetti was everywhere. I soaked […]
Here’s how these undrafted USF football players’ careers turned out
Ahead of Thursday’s NFL Draft, many players wait in anticipation to hear their names called in the first round. For some, it’s an instant ticket to stardom. But being selected on the first day of the draft isn’t the only route to a successful career. Fifteen former undrafted NFL players are enshrined in the NFL […]
Column: USF men’s basketball, thanks for the fun season
This is a personal column about assistant sports editor Noah Vinsky’s first-hand experience covering men’s basketball. Sports have always run in my blood. Growing up, ESPN was nearly on a constant loop on my living room television. I came to USF knowing I wanted to be a writer. The Oracle seemed like a great place […]
USF’s Mindy McCord builds culture of “family and love” into lacrosse
At 23 years old, a career in coaching was not what Mindy McCord had envisioned. After a stint playing for one of the top field hockey teams in Australia following a successful college playing career, she returned to America. McCord was on track to earn a master’s degree in counseling at Virginia Tech while coaching […]
USF campus ministers offer perspective on stadium development: ‘Exciting benefit of exposure.’
Take a tranquil stroll down Sycamore Drive. It’s a quieter part of campus, hidden away from the usual hustle and bustle of USF. It’s home to an area colloquially known as “Religious Row,” a collection of on-campus religious organizations. In just a few years – with the construction of an on-campus football stadium – the […]
Here’s why these USF softball players chose their jersey numbers
For athletes, the number they wear is more than the added fabric on the back of their jersey. It often tells a deeper story about the players — who they are and where they come from. Here’s why these three USF softball players chose their respective jersey numbers. Related: USF softball is gaining momentum during […]