Sept. 26, 2008

Final Stats

(San Francisco) - USF volleyball was sluggish out of the gate, but accelerated behind a monstrous blocking night to seize a 23-25, 20-25, 25-10, 25-13, 15-6 victory against Penn in non-conference action Friday night at War Memorial Gym. After trailing 0-2 heading into the intermission, the Dons (9-4) outscored the Quakers (4-6) 65-29 to secure its second straight win.

Senior middle blocker Carly Babin shattered the single-match program blocks record with 15 (two solo). The previous high was 13 held by Legend of the Hilltop Teresa Russell, who set the milestone against Santa Clara (11/6/99). Babin also recorded a team-high 19 kills on .567 attacking with just two errors in 30 swings.

USF held an enormous 20.0-7.0 blocks advantage and the Dons defense limited Penn to just three kills and a -.115 hitting rate in game three. After the Quakers hit .286 in game two, San Francisco allowed them to hit positive in just one set - .071 - in game four.

Sophomore opposite hitter Sarah Mandala also enjoyed a big night at the net recording a career-high 10 blocks with 14 kills on .321 hitting and was just two digs shy of the triple double. Junior libero Haley Carroll also enjoyed a strong night with 22 digs and five service aces, including three consecutive in the fourth set.

"Penn came out and made some incredible plays in the firs two games, but we recovered and fought back into the match," USF head coach Gilad Doron said. "We had a very good night blocking and Carly and Sarah did a great job."

Senior setter Darcy Carroll did a solid job running the USF offense, which sizzled at a .357 clip in game three, hit .412 in game four and .333 in the finale. Senior outside hitter Addie Webster recorded nine kills and 11 digs with three blocks, while freshman outside hitter Leinani Keanini chipped in three kills and 10 digs.

USF returns to action when it takes on Seattle University Saturday in its last match before starting West Coast Conference play. First serve against the Redhawks is set for 7:00 PM at War Memorial Gym.