COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Closing out competition in the Thin Air Challenge, the University of San Francisco volleyball team (7-4) fell in a hard-fought matchup at Air Force on Saturday afternoon as the Falcons topped the Dons, 3-1, in Colorado Springs. 
 
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• Matching each other stride for stride to open the match, USF grabbed an early 11-8 lead in the first set after back-to-back kills from Shyia Richardson and Claire Crijns. As the action played on, the Dons held a 21-16 lead towards the end of the set, but the Falcons were ultimately able to rally back and record seven of the final ten points to claim the first set, 26-24.
• Jumping out to another early advantage, the Dons regained momentum on another kill from Crijns and a service ace from Richardson as they led 13-8 midway through the second set. Finding their momentum on offense, USF went on to dominate with a 9-1 run to close out the second set, 25-17, and even the match at 1-1.
• Moving into the third set, Air Force responded by grabbing control with a 17-11 lead, but the Dons were able to claw back with an 8-2 stretch of their own to come within two points, 19-17. Defending their home court, the Falcons hung on to secure the third set, 25-22, and jump on top 2-1 in the match.
• Beginning the fourth set on a 5-1 run, USF held a lead over Air Force once again as they continued to mount a comeback. In a battle that saw both teams display full effort, the Falcons were able to go back in front, 19-18 with a 6-1 run midway through the set. Fighting until the final whistle, the Dons tied the set at 23 after a service error from Air Force, but the Falcons then tallied the next two points to notch the set win and secure the 3-1 victory.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• Leading the way for USF once again, Richardson (12) and Crijns (11) each tallied double-digit kills for the Dons as the duo combined for 31 of the team's 65 points.
• Defensively, Abby Wadas recorded 19 digs for the green and gold, marking the seventh time in eleven matches in which the freshman has recorded 10+ digs.
• Serving as a spark plug off the bench, Lauren Perri registered season-highs with four kills and eight blocks against the Falcons.  

UP NEXT:
USF will return home to the Hilltop to begin West Coast Conference play next Friday, Sept. 23 when they host Santa Clara for a 7:00 pm matchup. Live streaming, live statistics and tickets are 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.