Lions Take Second Program Win Over Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. – For just the second time in program history, the No. 16 University of Tampa volleyball team suffered a loss at the hands of Saint Leo University by a 3-1 final score.

The Spartans fall to 6-3 overall on the year with an even 1-1 record in Sunshine State Conference matchups while the Lions improve to 6-4 with a 1-1 tally in SSC play.

Outside hitter Allee Stelogeannis led all players with 18 kills in the match while freshman Nicole Dominguez led the UT defense with 13 digs. Outside hitter Katie McKiel added 10 kills for Tampa while setter Sammy Mueller posted a double-double with 26 assists and 12 digs for the Spartans.

Saint Leo took the first set of the contest as the Lions hit a scorching .429 attack percentage to open play.  Right side hitter Victoria Omoregie hit .600 with three kills to lead the charge while outside hitter Britt Sederholm added her own three kill effort.  Senior Stelogeannis led all teams with four kills to open play as UT dropped the stanza 25-20 to the visiting Lions.

The Lions continued in the second set, winning by a 25-19 margin. UT right side hitters Gen Beaumier and McKiel both swatted a pair of kills without an attack error but the Spartans were unable to match the offense of Saint Leo.

Tampa battled to a 25-17 win in the third set behind a four-kill effort from Stelogeannis. Freshman Courtney Randazzo hit 2-for-2 in the third set while freshman Mueller posted nine assists and six digs.

Despite an eight kill fourth set from Stelogeannis, Tampa was unable to overcome the strong swing of Saint Leo, falling 25-14 to suffer just its second loss to the Lions in program history.

UT will continue its home-stand on Friday, Sept. 23 hosting Embry-Riddle for a match slated for 7p.m. Live stats and a live video webcast will be provided through www.tampaspartans.com.

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