#4 Tampa Suffers First Loss in National Top 10 Battle

LAKELAND, Fla. - In a battle between a pair of top 10 teams in NCAA II, the fourth-ranked University of Tampa (9-1) volleyball team was defeated by seventh-ranked Florida Southern College (10-2) in the Sunshine State Conference opener. The 3-0 loss was a result of 25-23, 25-23 and 29-27 scores.

The Spartans seized control of the match early in set one, taking a 6-1 lead to start the frame. UT held the lead until the Moccasins broke an 18-18 tie to claim the advantage. Though Florida Southern never led by more than two points in the set, the Mocs would never trail again while taking the two-point victory in the opening set.

UT enjoyed a similar start in the second set as it took control while winning the first five points. FSC broke even at 12-12 as the set would stay close for the duration. With the Spartans holding a 23-22 advantage, the Moccasins took the final three points to claim the victory as the final two came via service aces.

In the third set, Florida Southern got out to an 11-6 advantage and did not surrender the lead until Tampa broke a 26-26 tie to go up 27-26. Following a Danielle Higgenbotham kill, the Moccasins then won the next two points to register the victory.

Sam Macks and Melissa Vanderhall led Tampa with 10 kills apiece, with Macks recording a .909 hitting percentage while connecting on 10-11 attacks. Macks also led the Spartans with seven blocks while also had eight digs.

Gabriela Saade and Meghan Sherman split duties at setter, with Saade tallying 19 assists to Sherman's 12. Saade also joined Kaleigh Cunningham to lead UT with nine digs. Danielle MacDonald added four blocks while Cunningham had two.

UT finished the match with a .159 hitting percentage, compared to a .246 showing for FSC. Tampa did hold an 8-4 advantage on blocks.

Tampa faces another tough road match on Friday as it travels to #22 Saint Leo for another critical SSC matchup. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.