Spartans Clinch Share of SSC Championship in 3-1 Win

TAMPA, Fla. - En route to winning its ninth consecutive Sunshine State Conference Championship, the No. 2 University of Tampa volleyball team rolled Saint Leo University by a 3-1 score Saturday at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center (19-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-13).

The win gives Tampa at least a share of its 23rd conference championship and a record 31 straight conference victories dating back to Oct. 29th, 2011. The Spartans improve to 25-1 with a conference clinching 12-0 record while the Lions fall to 19-9 with a 6-5 SSC tally.

Offensive Player of the Week Meagan Burke blazed the trail for Tampa, as the junior blasted 10 kills at a sizzling .533 attack percentage. Outside hitter Holly Reschke mirrored with her own 10-kill showing while fellow outside Berkley Whaley led the floor with 16 kills. The sophomore picked up a double-double with 11 digs.

Junior Kahley Patrick set the Spartans to a team .294 clip, assisting 39 attacks including a pair of kills to her credit. The setter assisted three blocks in the four-set victory.

The defense was led by none other than SSC Defensive Player of the Week Jessica Wagner, as the middle blocker stopped six attacks at the net. Whaley and Reschke added three blocks apiece as the Tampa squad totaled 11 team blocks. Libero Jen Scholz dug out 14 lion swings while Patrick notched six.

The Lions spread their offense as three players grounded eight kills with Lauren Campbell leading the visitors with 14. Setter Jaclyn Mailoto spun 43 assists with SLU libero Yaidimar Santiago leading the floor with 18 digs.

UT will welcome another tough opponent in Rollins College, as the Tars will meet the Spartans in a Wednesday night matchup set for a 7 p.m. start time. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be made available through www.tampaspartans.tv.

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