Spartans Welcome Rollins College

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa volleyball team is looking to open Sunshine State Conference play 3-0 for the first time since 2015 when the Spartans battle Rollins in the first of two mid-week conference clashes.

The Match: University of Tampa (9-1, 2-0 SSC) vs. Rollins (3-6, 1-1 SSC)

Date/Time:  Tuesday, September 11 at 7 p.m.

Location: Bob Martinez Athletic Center | Tampa, Fla.

Last Time Out: The Spartans cruised past Embry-Riddle in four sets to extend their series lead over the Eagles to 8-0. Sophomore outside hitters Katie McKiel and Sorrel Houghton were in the forefront of the Spartan attack ending the match with 17 kills apiece. Melissa Elias contributed eight kills as Tampa finished with a .315 kill percentage. Libero Nicole Dominguez finished the match with a season-high 23 digs as the Spartans held Embry-Riddle to a .178 kill percentage. Junior, Sammy Mueller continued to play a crucial role for the Spartans, earning her sixth double-double of the season with 41 assists and 14 digs. 

About the Spartans: The Spartans' 9-1 start is the best since the 2014 season. The 2014 team also kicked off the year with a 9-1 start and went on to finish 34-1 concluding the season as national champions. Tampa leads the SSC in kill percentage (.289) and assists (13.55 per set) and is second in kills (14.2 per set). The offensive prowess is a lot in part to Houghton and McKiel, who are stride for stride with one another so far this season. Houghton has 138 kills and a .278 kill percentage and McKiel has 137 kills and a .265 kill percentage. Junior middle blocker Taylor Fosler is second the conference with a .453 kill percentage.

About the Tars: Rollins is coming off a 3-1 win against Florida Tech, rebounding after losing three straight. Senior Rachel Fletcher leads the Tars offensively with 84 kills and 2.63 kills per set. Fletcher also is currently second on the team in digs (104 digs) behind freshman Jessika Linnemeyer (120 digs). The Tars are third in the SSC with 2.16 blocks per set. Sam Schlesman and Kerra Tirado are leading the way with 33 and 31 block assists respectively.

Series History: The Spartans hold a commanding series lead against the Tars with 88 wins and just six losses.

Tickets: General Admission ticket prices for all Tampa regular season athletic events are $5 for adults, Seniors, Military and visiting students. Youth (ages 12 and under) are admitted free of charge. Students, faculty and staff with a valid UT ID will also be admitted free.

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