Spartans Cruise In NCAA Opener

TAMPA, Fla. - For the sixth straight year, The University of Tampa (27-3) volleyball team has won its opening game of the NCAA Tournament, defeating visiting Kentucky State University (26-11) by a 3-0 score. The No. 2 Spartans won by scores of 25-10, 25-17, 25-19.

The Spartans led for the entire first and second sets, with KSU holding its first advantage in the third set. UT played each of its 15 players, with 11 playing two or more sets.

Eva Dupay led Tampa with a team-high 10 kills while committing zero errors and hitting at a .667 clip. Camille Hanks, Jessica Yingling and Kaleigh Cunningham each totaled five kills as 11 UT players had multiple kills.

Meghan Sherman led the Spartans with 27 assists as freshman Kaylee Koetter turned in 17.

Freshman Holly Reschke led UT with eight digs off the bench while Yingling recorded seven. The Spartans also outblocked KSU by a 5-2 mark, with six Tampa players notching a block assist. UT also outhit Kentucky State by a .380 to .052 clip.

The Spartans advance to the South Region semifinals to face fellow Sunshine State Conference opponent Lynn University on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Bob Martinez Sports Center. The Fighting Knights are coming off a five-set victory over Barry University in Thursday's quarterfinals.

Live stats and a video webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also click here for the 2010 NCAA Division II Volleyball South Regional host site.

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