Defending National Champions Upset in Season Opener
TAMPA, Fla. - The top-ranked University of Tampa volleyball team suffered a setback in their first match of the season, losing to third-ranked California Baptist 3-1. UT falls to 0-1 while CBU improves to 1-0.
The Spartans showed how they won the national title in the first game, winning easily by a score of 30-24. Alisha Green led the way in the first game, totaling five kills while Katelen Dixon added five digs. Redshirt freshman Melissa Vanderhall, making her first career start, tallied a pair of digs and two solo blocks in the initial game.
UT ran into fierce resistance in the second, third and fourth games, losing 30-21, 30-21 and 30-15. After hitting .371 in the first game, the Spartans were .250, .088 and .120 respectively in the final three games.
Tampa was led by Green, who finished with a team high 13 kills to go with four blocks. Gabriela Saade held team honors with 41 assists. Margeaux Sinibaldi led UT with 12 digs while Dixon had 10. The Spartans, who only had two service aces, were haunted by 18 service errors on the evening.
The loss ends Tampa's 18-match winning streak, which dated back to September 29 of last season. It also marks the first home loss for UT since November 2, 2004, ending a string of 35 consecutive victories at the Bob Martinez Sports Center.
Tampa is back in action tomorrow as it faces #23 Western Washington at 7 p.m. The match will mark the second day of the Tampa Classic, which is being hosted by Tampa.