Spartans Extinguish Flames, Control the Blaze

October 17, 2014

LAKELAND, Fla.-The No. 1 University of Tampa Volleyball team defeated both Lee and Valdosta State in straight sets on Friday at Florida Southern College's 2014 South Regional Crossover.

The Spartans improve to 17-1 after claiming two non-conference matchups, while both Lee (6-12) and West Florida (13-5) fell short to Tampa.

No. 1 Tampa v. Lee Box Score

No.1 Tampa v. Valdosta State Box Score

Tampa swept the first match over Lee by set scores of 25-15, 25-19, and 25-19. Outside hitter Megan Heffron led the Spartans' offense slugging 11 kills, attacking at a .474 clip. Fellow outside hitter Berkley Whaley tallied eight kills with seven digs. Setter Kahley Patrick assist 33 attacks to sweep the Flames in three sets.

Tampa held Lee to a .143 attacking percentage throughout the match, while the Spartans posted a .319 clip. Lee's middle blocker Lauren Williams totaled 12 kills for the Flames.

The Spartans took the second match over Valdosta State in three sets (25-20, 25-19, 25-18). Right side hitter Marissa Lisenbee notched 13 kills, posting an impressive attacking percentage of .632 for the match. Whaley led the team's offense rocketing 14 kills with seven digs in the second match of the day.

Patrick set 43 of the Tampa's 51 total kills while tallying eight digs. Meagan Burke, Lisenbee and Heffron each posted a solo block to stifle the Blazer's offense, holding them to .165 attacking percentage. Valdosta's outside hitter Jenna Kirkwood struck nine kills, but the team was unable to overcome the Tampa's powerful offense.

Tampa returns to action in Lakeland tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. to face No. 22 West Florida then North Alabama at 3 p.m. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be made available through www.tampaspartans.tv.

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