TicketsCINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati volleyball team grabbed an early two-set lead beforre losing 3-2 (25-22, 25-23, 15-25, 13-25, 11-15) to the UCF Knights Friday at home at Fifth Third Arena.
The loss dropped Cincinnati's record to 13-8 overall and 8-5 in AAC action.
The Bearcats were led by a double-double from Maria Mallon, who registered 15 kills and 18 digs on the day. Adria Oliver also added 12 kills to help the attack. On the defensive end, Payton Frederick chipped in for UC with 16 digs to go with five blocks from Abby Walker.
GAME NOTES
- Abby Walker had a team-high two aces in the loss.
- Maria Mallon registered her seventh straight double-double and her 16th of the season.
- Maria Mallon had a team-high 15 kills for Cincinnati and a team-high 18 digs.
- Cincinnati attackers were helped by a team-high 42 assists from Emme Madden.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: The Bearcats took an early lead until the Knights broke off on two separate scoring runs, which resulted in multiple ties. Cincinnati never trailed by more than five points and grabbed the advantage for good at 19-18 in a set that showcased two lead changes before the Bearcats took over in the second half of the stanza. The Bearcats took the first set with a 3-point lead and final score of 25-22.
Set 2: The Bearcats were off to a good start again, with a service ace from Payton Frederick setting the tone for the set. Maria Mallon and Shannon Williams kept the game tied up, but the Knights had another scoring run for a late lead. The Bearcats survived a back-and-forth set to win in a stanza that featured 11 lead changes and was tied 14 times. Neither team led by more than three points along the way. Adria Oliver took over keeping up ties until the Bearcats took the second set, 25-23.
Set 3: Both teams fought for the advantage, with Abby Walker serving up an ace and the Knights with a 10-point lead, eventually taking the set in a 9-1 scoring run at 14-25.
Set 4: The Knights take control early, with dominating scoring runs. The Bearcats fight hard but end up losing the set, 13-25.
Set 5: The Knights take another early lead, but Kailea Carrier and Maria Mallon are in a fighting spirit, with two service aces from Maria Mallon and Kerstin Ficker. The Knights end up taking the set 11-15, winning the match.
NEXT UP
The Bearcats are back home Sunday when they host the USF Bulls. The game will begin at 1 p.m. ET and will be streamed on ESPN+.
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