Aug. 29, 2006

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The University of North Florida volleyball team fell behind early and rallied late but fell just short of forcing a decisive game five on Tuesday night at UNF Arena in losing 3-1 to UCF (30-32, 23-30, 30-26, 31-33).

The match was the home opener for UNF (1-3), which hit just .161 and tallied 31 attack errors. The Lady Ospreys also had 16 service errors to aid in their misfortune.

Maegan Weisert tallied 16 kills and 12 digs for UNF, while Emily Kohler had 16 kills and 15 digs. UNF setter Jenna Thomas finished with 50 assists and 19 digs, but those performances weren't enough to overcome a 2-0 hole in the early going.

"We need to learn to play with the same level of intensity throughout the match," UNF head coach Bryan Bunn said. "At times, we looked great and at times we gave up points and runs. We were better than we were last weekend, but I still see a lot of room for improvement."

The Lady Ospreys jumped out to a quick lead in the opening game, leading 16-10 at one point on the heels of strong play by Kohler and Amy Stroder. UNF led 26-23 after that, but the Golden Knights finished with an 8-4 run - getting points on three aces and three attack errors by the Lady Ospreys - to post a 32-30 win.

After a relatively easy UCF win in game two, the Lady Ospreys went to work in game three.

UNF hit .200 to stay alive and post a 30-26 win, getting six kills from Weisert. The Lady Ospreys then put together a late run in game four and had a game- point serve at 29-27 but couldn't convert. UCF got three kills from Jana Mitchell after that to seal the match and escape with the victory.

UCF (2-2) got a strong night from Maina Heming, who had 17 kills and 12 digs. Schanell Neiderworder had 14 kills and 16 digs.

UNF is back in action this weekend at UNF Arena when it plays host to the 11th Annual UNF Labor Day Classic. The Lady Ospreys face Appalachian State on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Murray State (12:30 p.m.) and Idaho State (7:30 p.m.) on Saturday. The tournament begins at 4 p.m. on Friday with Idaho State vs. Murray State.