The USF women’s volleyball squad continued their recent dominance over the Santa Clara University Broncos with a sweep in three sets on Nov. 1 at the Hilltop. Over 300 people showed up on ‘80s night to watch the Dons take on their rivals.
The Dons came into this game reeling as losers of two games in a row and 12 of their last 13, and were in need of a big win. Fortunately, the Dons put together a fantastic performance lead by senior Kathya Garcia, who paced the team with 19 kills, which was the game high. Freshman Orsula Staka and sophomore Katie Wagstaff stepped up to combine for 12 total blocks, including a highlight reel block at the net, thunderously denying the Broncos a chance to score. This is the third time in the last four meetings that the Dons have pulled a 3-0 sweep of the Broncos, dating back to last season.
The Dons pulled out a close first set by a score of 26-24, scraping for every point. The set included 9 lead changes and 15 ties and was overall the most competitive set of the match.
The set included 9 lead changes and 15 ties and was overall the most competitive set of the match.
The Dons went on to pull away in the second set 25-17 and quelled the Broncos comeback during the third set, icing the match 25-22.
Head coach Frank Lavrisha said he was very impressed with his team’s performance. “The composure we showed, we needed something from everybody … Kathya with her leadership on the floor. Ally [Wada, sophomore setter], I thought, had a great match. Anna [Dalla Vecchia] played scrappy.”
This was an impressive win for the Dons, as they not only beat their Bay Area rival but took down one of the stronger teams in the West Coast Conference (WCC). Santa Clara entered the contest with an overall record 16-8, going 6-5 in WCC play.
The Dons will look to make it two in a row when they welcome the University of San Diego Toreros on Nov. 7.
