Tampa Takes Season Opener In Five-Set Thriller

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 3 University of Tampa (1-0) volleyball team prevailed for a 3-2 victory over No. 13 Nebraska-Kearney (1-1) in its 2010 season opener.

After winning the first two sets 28-26 and 25-22, UT fell 25-22 and 25-21 before bouncing back with a 15-11 victory in the deciding set.

Setter Meghan Sherman became the eighth member of UT's 2,000 assist club as the senior led the Spartans with 50 on the night. Needing just 15 assists headed into the contest, Sherman now stands at 2,035 and needs 34 to reach seventh place all-time (Cathy Fox, 2,069).

Sophomore Jessica Yingling led the Spartan attack with 17 kills as Melissa Vanderhall and Kaleigh Cunningham turned in 15 and 11 apiece.

The Spartans had 12 blocks on the night, with Danielle Selkridge and Meghan Sherman each notching five total blocks apiece. Julie Howlett added a team-high 25 digs as Sherman had 15 while Eva Dupay had 10.

The Spartans return to the court for a pair of matches on Saturday, where it will face Northern Kentucky and No. 1 Concordia-St. Paul at 3:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. respectively.

UT will offer live stats and a video webcast for both matches through www.tampaspartans.com.

Fans may also follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans). UT also offers eScores, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.