Spartans Set to Host the Webber International Warriors

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa beach volleyball team is set to host the Webber International Warriors on Wednesday, April 11th at 2:00 p.m. 

The Matchup: University of Tampa (12-10) vs. Webber International University (12-11)

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 11^th at 2:00 p.m.

Location: University of Tampa Beach Volleyball Complex | Tampa, Fla.

Last Time Out: The Tampa Spartans took fourth place at the AVCA Small College Beach Championships. On the first day of competition, the Spartans went undefeated, sweeping Florida Southern 5-0, before moving on to defeat Lincoln Memorial and Saint Leo, both 4-1. During the second day of the Championships, UT fell to Eckerd College 4-1, and then was defeated by Spring Hill College 3-2. In their last dual against Spring Hill, Tampa's two points came on the ones and fives courts. In the ones position, Sorrel Houghton and Melissa Elias won their match in three sets, defeating the Badgers 21-14, 18-21, 15-12. The second point for the Spartans was from partners Alexandra Misca and Sarah Moore who won in two, 21-14, 21-15. Today at 4:00 p.m., the University of Tampa is scheduled to play the Florida Southern Moccasins.

About the Spartans: This is the inaugural season for beach volleyball at the University of Tampa. The roster is composed of 10 beach only athletes, while eight of the student-athletes also played on the University's indoor team in the fall. This season, the Spartans have a 12-10 record, having just come off a fourth-place finish at the AVCA Small College Beach Championships.  The Spartans are coached by Jeff Lamm, who just finished his 16^th season as an indoor assistant, where he has found success helping the Spartans achieve two NCAA Division II National Championships. Lamm's indoor coaching career has been wildly successful and in 2011 he was even honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association of America (AVCA) as the National Assistant Coach of the Year.  This is Jeff Lamm's first head coaching job at the collegiate level.

About the Warriors: The Warriors are currently 12-11 overall and just won their second straight AVCA Small College Beach Championship. In the championship match, they faced Stevenson University who they defeated 4-1. The championship they won was a division consisting of DIII, NAIA, and CCCAA schools. Webber International has had a beach program now for five years. The Warriors are coached by Julianne Dougherty-Calcote, who also acts as one of the team's indoor assistants. All but one of the Warriors beach players also play on the University's indoor team.

Series History: This will be the third time that the Spartans have faced the Warriors this season. UT leads the all-time series over WIU 2-0.