Spartans Advance Following NCAA First Round Victory
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa volleyball team opened its title defense with a 3-0 victory over South Carolina-Aiken in the NCAA II South Regional from UT. The Spartans move to 29-2 on the year as the Pacers end their season at 26-5.
The Spartans cruised to 30-23 and 30-21 victories in the first two games before meeting some resistance in the third game. UT held on to register a 30-25 win to clinch the match.
Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year Erin Clark turned in another classic performance, finishing 15-22 from the field as her 15 kills represented a team high. The nation's leader in hitting percentage also helped her cause with a .682 mark on the evening. Alisha Green and Katelen Dixon joined Clark in double figures with 11 and 10 respectively.
Gabriela Saade led the way with 35 assists while freshman Meghan Sherman added 10 assists while playing the majority of the third game.
Margeaux Sinibaldi turned in a match-high 16 digs as the lone Spartan in double figures in the category. Tampa's defense was also bolstered by a 10.5 block effort as USC-Aiken recorded none. Dixon had three block solos and four total blocks as Clark chipped in four. Green and Danielle MacDonald each added three blocks while Saade had two.
The Spartans finished the match with a .384 hitting percentage, while limiting the Pacers to a .150 clip.
Tampa continues its play in the NCAA South Regional on Friday as it hosts Lynn University at 7:30 p.m.