#10 Tampa Pushes Past Lock Haven In Season Opener
TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 10 University of Tampa (1-0) volleyball team began the 2009 season with a victory as the Spartans registered a 3-0 victory over Lock Haven (0-1). UT won in straight sets by scores of 25-14, 25-20, 25-23.
The Spartans dominated the first set as reigning South Region Player of the Year Melissa Vanderhall led the Spartans with four kills and two digs in the frame. Kaleigh Cunningham also added a pair of digs for the Spartans.
Freshman Jessica Yingling helped UT preserve its lead in the second set as the Orlando native posted six kills. Vanderhall also added four in the set. The Spartans then finished off the match as sophomore Camille Hanks joined Vanderhall with four kills in the set. Julie Howlett led Tampa defensively with eight digs in the final frame.
Vanderhall led Tampa with 12 kills and four service aces on the evening as Yingling turned in nine kills. Hanks recorded a team-high four blocks while Vanderhall had three. Howlett added 11 digs as setter Meghan Sherman had 34 assists to lead UT. Sherman also made her presence known on offense as she was 5-5 on attacks.
The Spartans return to action on Friday as it hosts Wheeling Jesuit at 7:30 p.m. Fans may follow the game via live stats and a live webcast through www.tampaspartans.com. UT also offers eScores, which is a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. Fans may also follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (UTSpartans) and Facebook.