SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Battling until the final whistle, the University of San Francisco volleyball (0-8) pushed UC San Diego (3-7) to five sets on Friday night at War Memorial at the Sobrato Center, but ultimately fell to the Tritons, 3-2.
 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• Starting strong out of the gates, UCSD would open a 10-5 lead over the Dons in the early moments of the first set. Cutting their deficit to just four at 15-11 after a kill from Taylor Schein, USF stayed within striking distance halfway through. Finding their rhythm shortly thereafter, Cal State Fullerton rallied off a 10-3 run to secure the first set, 25-14.
• Trading points to begin the second set, the Dons would keep close again until an 8-2 run from the Tritons helped UCSD double up USF, 16-8. Despite efforts from the Don down the stretch of the set, the Tritons hung on, 25-19, to go on top 2-0.
• Answering the call, USF began the third set on a 5-0 run, which included and ace from Lana Kutakhina and a kill from Orsula Staka. Flipping the script, the Dons reeled off two impressive streaks to close the set. Notably, Schein delivered another kill to secure the 25-12 win and bring USF closer overall, 2-1.
• Riding their wave offensively, the Dons jumped out to a 4-0 advantage to start the fourth set following two kills from Kutakhina. With the Tritons staying within two points, a 6-2 run by USF midway through the set proved to be the difference maker. Drawing even with UCSD, the Dons powered their way to a 25-20 victory in set four to knot the score at 2.
• Moving into the fifth set, the Tritons regained momentum after a going on top of the Dons, 4-2, to begin. Climbing back to tie the set at six after an attack error from Juliette Bokor, UCSD found their groove when it mattered most, outscoring the Dons 8-1 to secure the set victory, 15-8, and overall win, 3-2. 

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• Improving with each opportunity, Shyia Richardson led all players with 14 kills. Additionally, she also added 2 blocks and 13 digs while tallying 15 total points overall.
• Defensively, Letizia Aquilino served as a consistent presence for the Dons as the Italian recorded a new career-high with 26 digs against the Tritons.
• As a team, USF led UCSD in total aces, 9-3. 

UP NEXT:
Playing in their final non-conference match on Friday, USF will officially open West Coast Conference play next Thursday, Sept. 23 when they host Pepperdine. Scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm, live streaming and live statistics links will be available via the team's schedule page.
 
FOLLOW US:
For more information and updates on the University of San Francisco volleyball program, be sure to follow the Dons on Twitter @USFDonsVB, @USFDonsVB on Instagram and @USFDonsVball on Facebook.