WHO: USF (7-5) vs. FGCU (4-6)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE: The Corral inside the Sun Dome
By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA - Lots of youth and a new head coach has not stopped the USF volleyball team from succeeding against non-conference opponents this season.
Fresh off a USF Tournament win, the Bulls are now 7-5 heading into their final non-conference battle before the Big East season begins. USF aims for its sixth consecutive win 7 p.m. Tuesday when it faces FGCU at the Corral before playing at Rutgers on Saturday afternoon.
"I've been really pleased with our play through this five-match winning streak," head coach Courtney Draper said.
It's quite impressive what USF has done with seven newcomers this season. The Bulls have turned things around in a hurry this non-conference season after going 5-9 against non-Big East opponents last season. USF is now just five wins away from equaling its 2011 total.
The Bulls are coming off a three-match sweep at their second home tournament of the season and ended the weekend with a three-set victory over FIU on Sunday. Junior right side hitter Kayla Walton was named the USF Tournament Team MVP after posting a match-high 12 kills in the 25-16, 26-24, 25-18 win in front of the home fans.
"Kayla had some favorable matchups and she executed well," Draper said.
Breen a Force at the Net
Senior Caitlyn Breen currently ranks second among Big East players with 1.17 blocks per set. The senior posted nine blocks against FIU and made the all-tournament after totaling 14 stuffs in three matches.
