BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Returning to the court following their double header sweep yesterday, the USF Dons volleyball team (3-0) wrapped up a great weekend on the Great Plains by defeating the Grand Canyon Antelopes (2-1) by a 3-1 final score to win the 2022 Bobcat Classic hosted by Montana State. 

The Dons carried the momentum from yesterday's wins over Montana State and St. Thomas to defeat the previously unbeaten Antelopes in four sets to bring the trophy home to the Hilltop. Maria Petkova was named MVP of the Bobcat Classic as well as being selected to the All-Tournament alongside teammate Abby Wadas. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• Both teams came to play in the first set with neither team able to build much separation as both sides were tied at 16 late in the set. The Dons were able to pull away late in the set thanks in part to key kills from Claire Crijns and Petkova to take the 25-23 victory.
• GCU was able to even the match in the second set as they took an early advantage on their way to the 25-17 set win.
• Knowing the importance of the third set, each side took turns accumulating points as the set was tied 11-all midway through. Late in the set tied at 21, the Dons were able to pull away by winning four of the last five points as they took the set by a 25-22 score thanks to a key kill and block by Orsula Staka.
• After taking control of the match the Dons were ready to flex their muscles on their way to the victory as they raced out to an early 11-4 lead thanks to key plays from Crijns, Staka, Petkova and Shyia Richardson. USF was able to stave off a late rally attempt by the Antelopes as they took the final four points of the match to win in three sets by a 25-14 score in the fourth set. 

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• Petkova capped off her MVP weekend by leading both teams with 15 kills as she accumulated a double-double with 11 digs and two aces for USF in the victory.
• Crijns has made an instant impact for the Dons' front court in her first three matches for USF as she was key in Saturday's win with a team-high five blocks to go along with 10 kills and three aces.
• Wadas has continued to be a welcome edition to USF's defense as she was named to the All-Tournament team following her nine digs and six assist performance against the Antelopes.
• Richardson was able to do a little bit of everything to help lead the Dons to the victory by posting nine kills, seven digs and an ace for USF. 

CATCHING UP WITH COACH SILVA:
"It was a great tournament to start the season. We're happy to win and to win with this group because they deserve it. We should celebrate today and tomorrow start thinking about the next weekend. We focus on the process to improve everyday, make good decisions and consistently work hard. Let's go Dons!" 

UP NEXT:
The Dons now look ahead to another weekend tournament as they will travel south for the Fresno State Invitational next weekend. USF will face off against the Seattle University Redhawks, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the host Fresno State Bulldogs in their return to the court next Friday and Saturday. Live streaming and live statistics will be available via the team's schedule page. 
 
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.