#5 Tampa Continues To Roll By Defeating Florida Tech

MELBOURNE, Fla. - The fifth ranked University of Tampa (14-1, 5-1) volleyball team downs Florida Tech (17-5, 2-4) 3-1 to earn their fifth straight victory over a Sunshine State Conference opponent.

After dropping the first set 25-23, the Spartans rebounded by winning the next three by scores of 25-16, 25-17 and 25-19. They were in control as they never trailed in the final two sets.

UT had a well balanced attack as three Spartans recorded double figures in kills. Sophomore Melissa Vanderhall led the offense with 16 kills, while senior Annalea Warren had 14. Sophomore Sam Macks hit a blistering .643 on her way to 11 kills. Gabriela Saade led the team with 39 assists.

Tampa's defense saw two Spartans set season highs in digs led by Warren with 17, and Gabriela Saade 15. Vanderhall finished the match with 12 and senior Camila Saade recorded 10. Overall the Spartans finished with 77 digs, while the Panthers had only 55.

Senior Danielle MacDonald and Vanderhall turned in solo blocks, and Macks was credited with five block assists. The Panthers did edge UT in total blocks however, 9-8.

The Spartans finished the match hitting .317 while committing 20 errors, as the Panthers hit just .130 and committed 22 errors.

Tampa will be back in action on the road Wednesday versus Eckerd at 7 p.m. UT will offer live stats through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also sign up for eScores to receive free text message alerts on UT athletic results.