Tampa Volleyball is Set to Host the Live for 24 Memorial Match Against Lynn

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa is set to host Lynn University in their first home conference showdown. The match will take place on Saturday, September 23 at 4 p.m. in the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. This will be the first home game for the Spartans after having to reschedule two matches due to Hurricane Irma. UT is calling the match, the Live for 24 Memorial Match and will be honoring the three-time, first-team All-American and two-time SSC Player of the Year, Melissa Vanderhall, who passed away in August. Following the match, there will be a celebration of Vanderhall's life in the Sword and Shield Room where former teammates will share memories, a memorial video will play, and her jersey, number 24, will be retired.  

 

The Matchup: University of Tampa (2-7) vs. Lynn University (2-1)

 

Date/Time: Saturday, September 23 at 4 p.m.

 

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla. 

 

Last Time Out: Tampa fell in five sets to conference rival Florida Southern. That Spartans had three attackers who had 10 or more kills, Nicole Dominguez who led the team with 16, Courtney Vogler who notched 12, and Nylah Demps who logged 10. Additionally, both setters for the Spartans earned double-doubles, senior Jen Aprile with 22 assists and 14 digs, and freshman Melissa Elias with 18 assists and 16 digs.

 

About the Spartans: The Spartans are a team full of young talent. While the start of the 2017 season has been a bit rocky, the team has a vast amount of potential. 

 

Returning for the Spartans are 2016 All-SSC Newcomers, Taylor Fosler and Katie McKiel. Fosler, the middle hitter out of Ocala, Florida, finished her freshman campaign totaling 159 kills at a .297 hitting percentage, with 21 digs, and 85 total blocks. McKiel, the Colorado Springs native, ended her college debut playing outside for UT with a total of 272 kills at a .220 attacking percentage, 86 digs, and 35 blocks. Unfortunately, McKiel was injured this year in a preseason tournament, and now the Spartans are anxiously waiting for her return to the court. 

 

Also, returning for the Spartans is sophomore outside hitter Nicole Dominguez. In this season alone, Dominguez has already logged 72 kills, 75 digs, five service aces, and four solo blocks. She looks to be one of the biggest contributors as the team heads into their conference run.  

 

About the Fighting Knights: The Knights finished the 2016 season with an overall record of 20-11, 11-5 in conference competition. Lynn graduated five impactful seniors last season and look to make a name for themselves this season with some fresh faces. Of Lynn's returners, their most powerful offensive weapon is senior right side hitter, Nicol Colonna. Colonna currently sits at 44 kills on the season, averaging nearly three kills per set. The Fighting Knights also look to use two transfers, outside hitter Sonja Udovcic, and setter Angala Jensen. Udovicic has logged 42 kills for the Knights, along with 41 digs and is a team leader in service aces. Jensen acts as the team's primary setter with 143 assists on the season. 

 

Series History: Tampa holds the all-time series lead with a 40-2 record, and has never lost to Lynn in a home matchup. In the last meeting (12/1/2016) between the two squads, the Spartans defeated the Fighting Knights in four sets, ending Lynn's season at the NCAA South Region Quarterfinals in West Palm Beach, Fla. Of the returners, Gen Beaumier, proved to be a key offensive weapon ending the match with 13 kills. The Spartans offensively out-hit the Knights with .298 and .179 kill percentages respectively.

Tickets: General Admission ticket prices for all Florida Southern regular season athletic events are $5 for adults and $3 for Seniors, Military and visiting students. Youth (ages 12 and under) are admitted free of charge.

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