#6 Spartans Complete Sweep of Saint Leo

TAMPA, Fla. - The sixth-ranked University of Tampa volleyball team recorded a 3-0 victory over Sunshine State Conference opponent Saint Leo University. The victory marks the second over the Lions of the year for the Spartans, who topped SLU 3-1 on September 19.

Following a tight first set where UT edged the Lions by a 26-24 score, the Spartans won the final two sets by scores of 25-15 and 25-21. The first set included eight ties and four lead changes with the Spartans breaking a 24-24 tie with the final two points.

Tampa took a big lead in the second set as it won the first 11 points. SLU was unable to overcome the early UT lead as the Spartans led by at least nine points for the remainder of the frame.

In the third set, Saint Leo held a 19-16 lead when Tampa went on a 7-0 run to earn a four point advantage. The Spartans then closed out the match on a Melissa Vanderhall kill.

Annalea Warren led Tampa with 14 kills after connecting on 8-11 attacks in a close set one. Vanderhall added 13 kills and Danielle MacDonald was also in double figures with 10. Gabriela Saade and Meghan Sherman split setting duties with 27 and 14 assists respectively.

Camila Saade had a team-high nine digs while Warren added seven. MacDonald and Sam Macks each had two blocks for Tampa, who outhit Saint Leo by a .380 to .160 clip.

Tampa is back in action on Friday as it hosts #8 Florida Southern in an SSC battle. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Martinez Center. UT will offer live stats and a webcast through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also sign up for eScores through the website, a free service that sends text messages on Spartan athletic events.