Tampa Captures Fourth Straight SSC Volleyball Championship

BOCA RATON, Fla. - The seventh-ranked University of Tampa (25-4, 12-3 SSC) volleyball team needed five sets to defeat Lynn University (24-13, 9-7 SSC) as the 3-2 victory gave the Spartans sole possession of the 2008 Sunshine State Conference championship after being tabbed second the preseason poll. The match between Tampa and Lynn was also the third consecutive five set contest, with UT winning each.

The SSC title is UT's fourth straight and 18th in the history of the program. The recent domination has included titles in 11 of the past 12 seasons.

After winning the first two sets by scores of 25-17 and 25-18, Tampa allowed Lynn to get back into the match as the Knights claimed the third and fourth sets by scores of 25-23 and 25-21. With the match and a share of the SSC championship on the line, UT came out swinging in the final set with a 15-7 triumph.

Melissa Vanderhall turned in a career-high 22 kills along with eight digs and 22 points in a career effort. Annalea Warren added 17 kills as Danielle MacDonald contributed 10. Meghan Sherman and Gabriela Saade split setting duties as the pair recorded 33 and 25 assists respectively. Sherman also led the team with three service aces.

Camila Saade had a team-high 22 digs as the lone Spartan in double figures. Camille Hanks added three blocks as MacDonald has two. UT outhit its opponent .305 to .203 for the match.

Tampa now awaits word on its fate in the NCAA South Regional. After being ranked second in the region in Wednesday's release, UT looks to close the margin with Florida Southern following a FSC loss to Saint Leo on Wednesday. The pairings and location will be announced on Sunday with the tournament beginning on Thursday.