Tampa Advances to NCAA Elite Eight

TAMPA, Fla. - For the third consecutive year, the No. 2 University of Tampa volleyball has won the NCAA Regional Finals and advance to the NCAA Elite Eight. The Spartans defeated the Tritons of Eckerd College in three sets. (25-23, 25-20, 25-16)

Tampa improves their season record to 32-1, while ending the Tritons season at a 27-5 record. With the victory, the Spartans will go on to NCAA Nationals starting in two weeks.

Defeating Eckerd was a season obstacle for Tampa, as the Tritons handed them its only loss of the season back on October 28. Tampa rebounded with a quick three set match, led by middle hitter Danielle Selkridge.

Selkridge continued her award winning season by leading the team with 15 kills. She was also supported by outside hitters Eva Dupay and Jessica Yingling. Dupay connected for 10 kills in her final home game at UT, while the junior Yingling added 9 kills and led the team with 9 digs.

A total 38 digs by the Spartans limited Eckerd to just a .238 attack percentage. The Tritons were led by Ariana Chinna, hitting 12-25 on the game, and libero Hallie Ward, with 12 digs.

The first set was the closest between the two conference rivals. Outside hitter Lindsay Biggs pushed along the Tritons with 8 kills and a .429 attack percentage. UT kept pace and pulled ahead by winning the final two points after the score was tied at 23. Yingling provided the final kill to give the Spartans extra momentum leading into the second set.

The Spartans pulled away in the second set after the score was tied at 16. Tampa took five consecutive points with freshman Megan Burke serving in that stretch. Sunshine State Conference player of the year Selkridge led the Spartans again, going 5-10 on the set as UT pulled away for a 25-20 win.

Tampa finished off the Tritons season with a quick third set. Eckerd had its weakest set by hitting at just a .107 clip while Tampa provided its strongest. Swinging at 15-30 the Spartans took an early lead and never let go.

The victory brings Tampa its third consecutive regional title and a trip to the NCAA Nationals. Please visit tampaspartans.com for additional details.

2011 NCAA South Regional All-Tournament Team
Corinne Doder, Christian Brothers
Lindsay Biggs, Eckerd
Ariana Chinn, Eckerd
Olivia Fraser, Eckerd
Gabby Fernandez, Florida Southern
Kate Stromberg, Florida Southern
Natalie Marsh, North Alabama
Megan Hodges, Rollins
Eva Dupay, Tampa
Holly Reschke, Tampa
Danielle Selkridge, Tampa
Lindsay Homme, West Florida

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