Whaley Wreaks Havoc on Fighting Knights in Sweep

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 6 University of Tampa volleyball team trounced visiting Lynn University in consecutive sets to earn its revenge in 3-0 fashion.  Senior Berkley Whaley dealt a 15-kill assault to lead UT on Thursday evening in the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

The Spartans improve to 25-5 on the season with a 14-1 record in Sunshine State Conference matchups while the Fighting Knights drop to 14-15 with a 4-12 SSC mark to conclude their season.

Whaley was masterful on offense, producing a match-high 15 kills at an efficient .467 attack percentage.  Fellow senior Marissa Lisenbee blasted eight kills while outside hitter Megan Heffron added six.

The Spartan defense was stellar, as the team combined for 12 total blocks and 53 digs to limit the Fighting Knights to a meager .045 attack clip.  Middle blockers Jessica Wagner and Demery Zachery had four blocks each as the latter picked up a pair of solo stops for Tampa.  Setter Gina Clarke added four block assists to go along with four digs and a service ace.  The setter tuned UT with 32 assists.

The back row was managed by freshman Logan Holanchock, as the libero led all athletes with 19 digs in the three-set sweep.  Defensive specialist Kelsey Watts posted seven digs while Lisenbee and Whaley totaled six apiece.

The Spartans took the opening set behind a four-kill effort from Heffron.  The UT defense punished Lynn, as the opposing squad was held to a -.122 attack percentage with 10 attack errors thanks in part to four total blocks from Tampa.  Holanchock posted nine digs in the first set alone as UT rolled to a 25-13 win.

UT claimed the second set 25-16, rallying behind the defense and serve of sophomore Watts.  The defensive specialist tallied five digs in the stanza while leading the Spartans on a five-point rally.  Whaley unloaded a six-kill attack as the Fighting Knights had more than they could handle from the reigning AVCA National Player of the Year.

The third frame was won thanks to a 7-for-12 effort from Whaley as the senior outside hitter caught fire after a strong second set.  UT stormed to a 25-21 win to seal the sweep and earn its revenge over the lone SSC blemish on the Spartan's otherwise pristine conference record.

Tampa will close out the regular season by paying tribute to its senior class on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. The Spartans will honor the contributions of seven seniors for its Senior Day ceremony in the Bob Martinez Athletics Center, facing off against SSC foe Nova Southeastern.

Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be made available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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