Volleyball Falls at UCF in Four :: Bulldogs battle defensding champs but come up short

Sept. 28, 2002

Story courtesy of UCF Sports Information Box Score

ORLANDO, Fla. - UCF outside hitter Leyre Santaella Sante recorded her second straight double-double with 23 kills and 19 digs to lead UCF past Samford (3-1) 30-26, 30-25, 25-30, 34-32, Saturday afternoon in volleyball action at the UCF Arena. The victory was the second straight for the Golden Knights as they improved to 7-9 overall and 2-0 in the Atlantic Sun. Samford fell to 6-8 with the loss and 0-2 in the conference.

UCF jumped out to a quick two games to none lead and looked to be in control of the match before the Bulldogs responded to win game three and force UCF to the limit in game four. The Knights attack proved to be too much, behind Santaella Sante's match-high 23 kills.

Two other UCF players finished with double-figures in kills including junior outside hitter Kristen Dell with 13 and senior right side Cassy Kerner with 11. Kerner finished the match with impressive all-around numbers as she added 14 digs along with seven assists and seven total blocks. Junior Jenny Frank just missed her fourth triple-double of the season and the third within a week as she totaled nine kills, 51 assists and 14 digs for the winners.

UCF out-hit the Bulldogs .250-.185 for the match and totaled 16 team blocks. The 16 team blocks were also tied for fifth-best in single-game history for UCF.

The Bulldogs had four players finish with double-figures in kills. Alyssa Whitehead led the team with 22 kills and a match-best 21digs. Hilary Gary (13), Stefanie Pickett (11) and Kristin Berryman (11) also finished with double-digit kills for Samford.

The Golden Knights are back in action this Tuesday at home vs. Florida Atlantic at 7 p.m. Samford is back in action also on Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Troy State.