The Fletch Report: September 4th, 2023

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Happy Labor Day Folks, and welcome to The Fletch Report, your go-to weekly newsletter dedicated to bringing you the latest on University of South Florida's Olympic Sports. In this concise and informative newsletter, we'll dive into the highlights of the previous week's athletic events and matches, while also offering a glimpse of what's on the horizon.

USF Women’s Soccer: Postponement And Defeat

Hurricane Pressure: USF had originally scheduled to host St. Leo this past Wednesday; however, Hurricane Idalia forced the postponement of the game to an as-yet-undetermined future date.

Instead of a warm-up game before facing the country's #2 team, the Bulls headed to Tallahassee with fresh legs, hoping for an upset. They were able to keep it close at halftime, trailing the Seminoles 1-0 at the break, but a flurry of goals in the second half propelled FSU to a 5-1 victory over USF. The Bulls got on the scorers sheet in the 81st minute to prevent the shutout with a set piece goal from the corner by Amaris Hamilton-Grein.

Looking Ahead: USF women’s soccer will look to right the ship as they welcome Florida College to Corbett on Thursday September 7th before traveling to Oviedo on Sunday for a tilt against Central Florida.

Score Summary:

• Florida State (L 1-5)

  • Amaris Hamilton-Grein

USF Men’s Soccer: Still Searching For A Goal

Slow Start: The USF men’s soccer team faces the double challenge of securing their first win and finding their first goal of the season, as they've been shut out in all three matches played so far. They were defeated by Mercer 2-0 this past Friday evening after a slight delay, both goals coming in quick successive fashion in the 56th and 60th minute.

Looking Ahead: Bulls welcome the first of two straight top 25 teams with Indiana Hoosiers visiting Corbett on Friday September 8th.

Score Summary:

• Mercer (L 0-2)

  • N/A

USF Volleyball: Bulls Volleyball Invitational

First Victory: The Bulls found themselves in the winner’s circle during the Bulls Volleyball Invitational this past Friday and Saturday. The Yuengling Center played host to Idaho State, Florida Gulf Coast, and Mercer in a round robin tournament.

The Bulls were victorious in their first game over Idaho State early Friday afternoon, winning by 3 sets to 1. They then faced a Florida Gulf Coast team hot off of their second straight NCAA tournament appearance. The Eagles were able to corral the Bulls for a 3-1 victory. On Saturday afternoon, the Bulls placed themselves back in the win column with a dominant 3-0 sweep against Mercer to finish out the invitational.

Up Next: USF will travel up to Vermillion, SD to take part of the South Dakota Tournament starting on Thursday through Saturday. The Bulls will face off against IUPUI on Thursday, South Dakota on Friday, and Drake on Saturday.

Score Summary:

• Idaho State (W 3-1)

  • 23-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-15

• Florida Gulf Coast (L 1-3)

  • 20-25, 21-25, 26-24, 17-25

• Mercer (W 3-0)

  • 25-14, 25-23, 25-10