ATHENS, Ga.-- With a fierce defensive effort and an efficient offensive performance, the new-look USF (1-0) volleyball team cruised to victory in its season opener- sweeping Savannah State (0-1) 25-15, 25-15, 25-16 in the first game of the Benson Hospitality Invitational.

Senior Emily Reed led the way with 13 kills and three blocks, while freshman Trish Koutsoukos put forth an outstanding 19 assists. Starting the match as the libero, Camille Araujo impressed in her debut with 15 digs and five aces. The Long Beach native recorded the second most aces for a Don in a three set match. Freshman Kate Ashman totaled eight kills, while Tyna Adamcikova compiled six of her own to round out the Dons offense.

The defense was equally impressive for the Dons as their effort limited the Tigers to only 19 kills on 88 attempts. For the game, USF forced seven blocks compared to only one for Savannah State.

USF got off to a fast start- outscoring the Tigers 10-3 in the early moments of the first set. Leading the match 13-6, Ashman put on a service display by scoring three straight aces to pull the Dons ahead, 16-6. In the end, Adamcikova scored her third kill of the frame to lead USF to an opening set win.

After USF opened the second set with another 10-3 lead, the Tigers came clawing back to a 12-11 deficit. The Dons got their groove back as they went on a 6-1 run which was capped off by Reed's 10th kill of the match.

The Dons dominated the third frame, as the team jumped ahead to an early 9-1 lead. USF led wire-to-wire in its season opening match- defeating Savannah State 25-16 in the third set to give first year head coach Vicki Brown her first career win as a coach.

USF is slated for a pair of matches on the second day of the invitational. The Dons will face off against UNC Asheville at 7 a.m. (PDT) and conclude the tournament against the Georgia Bulldogs at 4 p.m.