Washburn Ends Tampa’s Postseason Run
TOPEKA, Kans. - After taking the first two games, The University of Tampa lost three straight to fall to Washburn University by a score of 3-2 in the NCAA Elite Eight. The Spartans' season ends at 31-3 as the Lady Blues advance with a 38-3 record.
The Spartans quickly gained the momentum, taking a 30-24 victory in game one that was followed by a 30-22 game two win. UT trailed twice in the first two games, at 1-0 and 2-0 respectively before taking control.
The third game remained close early as the teams were tied at 9-9 before Washburn separated. A 9-3 run was all the Lady Blues needed to take the 30-18 win. Tampa bounced back in game four to take a 15-9 lead before Washburn used a 7-2 run to fuel a comeback and eventual 31-29 victory.
Washburn used the momentum of game three and four victories coupled with a home crowd of 2,231 to take the game and match. The Lady Blues started the game with six straight points en route to the 15-8 edge.
"Washburn really picked it up after game two," says Catanach. "They played well and this was meant for them. We have been in the same situation before. They had a great crowd and I was impressed with how they helped them come back."
Katelen Dixon led Tampa with 18 kills to go with 18 digs and five blocks. Danielle MacDonald provided a spark off the bench with 15 kills, six blocks and a .414 hitting percentage. Alisha Green and Erin Clark were also in double figures with 14 and 13 kills respectively. Green also added a team high nine blocks as UT outblocked WU 20 to three on the night.
Dixon departs as one of the most prolific players in Spartan history, ranking fourth in UT history with 1,495 kills and fifth with 1,287 digs. She is also one of five players in program history to have 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs.
Margeaux Sinibaldi added a team-high 20 digs as Gabriela Saade match her for honors. Saade also led UT with 62 assists. Sinibaldi closes out her UT career as the all-time leader in digs with 2,250 career digs as her 610 this season also represented a UT single-season record.