Tampa Volleyball Looks to Remain Perfect in SSC Play with Two Weekend Matchups
TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 7 University of Tampa volleyball team will welcome Sunshine State Conference opponents Nova Southeastern University and Lynn University to the Bob Martinez Athletics Center this weekend.
Tampa will take on the Sharks of Nova Southeastern on Friday at 7 p.m. and will return for a Saturday afternoon matchup against Lynn, slated for a 3 p.m. start.
The Spartans are coming into the weekend riding a hot streak. Since falling to West Florida University on October 19th, Tampa has responded with five straight wins without surrendering one set. Overall, UT sits on the top of the SSC standings with a 23-3 record. They will seek to remain unbeaten in SSC play and extend its pristine 12-0 mark.
Tampa has continued to be fueled lately by the play of Danielle Selkridge. The senior hit for a .522 attack percentage in the Spartans matches last weekend, leading her to receive Sunshine State Player of the Week honors for the third time this season. The reigning SSC and South Region Player of the Year continues to lead the nation with a .482 hitting percentage.
Other Spartan players to watch for this weekend include Kahley Patrick, who sits at 37th in the nation in assists per set with 10.35; Meagan Burke, who is 10th in the nation with a .399 attack percentage; and Jessica Yingling, who is closing in on 1,000 career kills. The captain has 31 kills to go.
Nova Southeastern will enter Friday nights match with a 4-24 overall record and a 1-11 mark in the SSC. Tampa holds the all time series lead with a 20-1 advantage. The Spartans last defeated the Sharks on October 6th in a three set sweep.
The Fighting Knights of Lynn University are winners of four of their last five matches, improving its overall record to 14-9 (4-7 SSC). Tampa defeated Lynn on October 5th by a 3-1 score, improving the Spartans all time record against the Fighting Knights to a perfect 32-0.
Saturday's match will also serve as Senior Day for the Spartans. UT seniors Danielle Selkridge, Jessica Yingling and Sloane Baby will be honored prior to the 3 p.m. contest.
Tickets are available at the gate for $5. Children 12-and-under will be admitted free. UT faculty, staff and students are admitted free when displaying a valid Spartan ID card.
UT will offer live stats and a webcast for the matches through TampaSpartans.tv.
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