Tampa Suffers First Conference Loss to No. 17 PBA

The No. 4 Spartans lose to the No. 17 Sailfish in a four-set battle.

Tampa Suffers First Conference Loss to No. 17 PBA
October 27, 2018

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 4 University of Tampa Spartans suffer their first Sunshine State Conference loss to the No. 17 Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish in four sets by scores of 21-25, 25-22, 18-25, and 26-28.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
 Final: No. 4 University of Tampa 1, No. 17 Palm Beach Atlantic 3 (21-25, 25-22, 18-25, and 26-28)
Records: Tampa Spartans (25-2, 15-1 SSC) vs. PBA Sailfish (25-3, 14-3 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Vimeo 

HOW IT HAPPENED:
 Offensively, the Spartans were led by sophomore Sorrel Houghton. Houghton ended the match hitting .286 on 15 kills. Additionally, she had four digs, one solo block and one block assist. Following her efforts were that of Alexandra Misca and Melissa Elias. The two had seven and eight kills respectively, hitting an outstanding .455 and .208. Misca was the unsung hero of the match, also leading the Spartans with five block assists and two service aces. Elias helped Sammy Mueller run the offense with 13 assists and 10 digs for UT. Mueller, as the primary setter, stated 33 assists in addition to her nine digs. Finally, Nicole Dominguez suited up as libero for the Spartans, ending the match with a team-high of 20 digs.


INSIDE THE STATS:

• Katie McKiel and Melissa Elias earned double-doubles on the night. McKiel had 12 kills and 11 digs, while Elias had 13 assists and 10 digs.  


BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
 The Spartans lead the all-time series over the Sailfish 10-5. This season the teams have split.


UP NEXT:
 The Spartans will host the Barry Buccaneers on Friday, November 2nd at 7:00 p.m. They will then welcome the Lynn Fighting Knights for a 4:00 p.m. game on Saturday, November 3rd, honoring their four seniors. Live stats and a live video webcast will be provided through www.tampaspartans.com.

TAMPA SPARTANS MOBILE APP:
 A free app is also available for free download through Apple and Google Play stores. Please search for Tampa Spartans Front Row. 

RECEIVE TEXT AN EMAIL ALERTS:
 UT also offers free messaging service for text and/or email, which sends alerts and press releases for Spartan teams. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.