Entering Wednesday’s night match, USF and Rice’s seasons followed a similar path.

Both teams faced a tough preseason schedule, facing multiple top-25 opponents. The Bulls went 1-4 in such games, while the Owls went 0-3.

To start American Athletic Conference (AAC) play, both teams began undefeated, with six consecutive wins each. 

In the pivotal match, the conference foes had a chance to separate themselves from each other. 

The winner would stand alone atop the AAC standings.

In front of 760 attendees, it would be the Bulls (11-7,7-0 AAC) who prevailed 3-0.

Now with seven consecutive wins in the AAC, the Bulls are in the midst of their best conference start since 2002 – the last time they captured a conference championship.

Head coach Jolene Shepardson said the team isn’t getting ahead of themselves, as they choose to put their focus on getting better.

“They have the right attitude.. we’re still training on things” Shepardson said. “Our process does not change.” 

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South Florida was aggressive on offense, and also played strong defensively, tallying more blocks and digs than its opponent.

The game against the Owls, the AAC preseason favorites, was a match Shepardson said the Bulls were looking forward to.

“We had something to prove,” Shepardson said. “We talked about it [preseason poll] when it came out. It gave us an edge, it made us work harder”.

USF’s performance was highlighted by a strong outing from their outside hitters, junior Maria Clara Andrade and graduate student Naiya Sawtelle. 

Together, Andrade and Sawtelle combined for 40 of the Bulls’ 49 kills.

Andrade finished with a team-leading 21 kills, which landed her only five shy of the 1,000 mark for her career. 

The Brazilian native said she was happy to close in on the milestone, but had a bigger sight in mind.

“Yes I’m definitely looking forward to it, but 1,500 is my goal,” Andrade said.

Related: USF volleyball nabs highest-ranked program win in Gator Tournament

Wednesday’s game was also the first back home for USF since Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key. 

Shepardson said she was pleased with the team’s play despite the tough week they had.

“​​Look at the travel we had last week, with everything going on with our friends and family back home, struggling with the hurricane,“ Shepardson said. “We were dog tired and they’re persevering through it, so I’m just proud of their fight and their incredible desire.”

 Up next on the Bulls schedule is yet another conference opponent, as they travel to Boca Raton to challenge Florida Atlantic on Sunday. 

For Andrade, maintaining a winning mentality is how South Florida can extend its victory streak to eight.

“Like every team in the conference we play, we have to give our best,” Andrade said. “That’s the way to win.”