NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.  - The Rutgers University volleyball team suffered its first home loss of the season as the Scarlet Knights fell to South Florida 3-0 (30-22, 30-19, 30-16) Sunday afternoon at the College Avenue Gym.

Rutgers (3-10, 1-3 BIG EAST) won its first two home matches of the season for the first time since the 2002 season by defeated Norfolk State and conference foe Georgetown. However, the Scarlet Knights were unable to overcome Kristina Fabris and Marcela Gurgel, who combined for 33 kills and 17 digs to lead the Bulls (9-4, 1-2 BIG EAST).

"I though we competed well early on," said head coach Orlando Gonzalez. "The experience of South Florida's upperclassman and international players was instrumental."

Sophomore Kyra Thompson (Tuscon, Ariz.) led the Scarlet Knights with 11 kills, while freshman Emma Chrystal (Portage, Mich) tallied a team-high 18 assists.

South Florida hit .314 as a team, while RU hit .112. The Rams also topped Rutgers with six more blocks and eight more digs.

"We took a step forward this weekend though," said Gonzalez. "The most important thing is to remain consistent with such a young team and hopefully we can do that."

The Scarlet Knights will continue BIG EAST action Saturday, Oct. 6 at Notre Dame. RU will then travel to DePaul the following day.