#3 Tampa Battles To Pair of Victories To Start UCM Tournament

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The No. 3 University of Tampa volleyball team (6-0) rolled to a 3-0 sweep of Pittsburg State University (0-5) and prevailed in a five-set thriller over previously-undefeated Azusa Pacific University (12-1). The games were part of the Peggy Martin Classic, which is hosted by the University of Central Missouri.

In the first match of the day, UT came out strong against a big Pittsburg State team that had six players taller than 6-foot. Tampa hit over .500 in each of the first two sets to bring down the Gorillas, who hit at a .204 clip. The Spartans finished at .451 as each of Chris Catanach's 13 active players saw time.

Sophomore outside hitter Holly Reschke led UT with a team-high 16 kills, hitting at .577 with just one error on 26 attempts. Senior Eva Dupay joined Reschke in double figures with 12 kills.

Jessica Yingling added nine kills to go with a .750 attack percentage. Freshman Meagan Burke took advantage of her playing time, connecting on four kills for a .429 showing along with a team-high two blocks.

Senior libero Julie Howlett paced Tampa's defense with a match-high 22 digs. Freshman Kahley Patrick led the team in assists for the fifth straight match, finishing with 47. The Clearwater, Fla., native also had three kills, six digs and a block from her setter spot.

Tampa appeared to be on route to another quick victory as it won set one by a 25-16 margin and proceeded to an early 8-0 lead in the second set versus Azusa Pacific. The Cougars would force UT to the brink of defeat as it took the second and third sets by scores of 25-20 and 25-14.

The Spartans would rebound to take the fourth frame by a 25-14 score and took a quick lead in the fifth set. A late push by APU would bring the Cougars within one point before consecutive blocks gave the Spartans a 14-10 edge. Tampa would finish the match in the next rally.

Danielle Selkridge led all Spartans with 18 kills and a .441 hitting percentage. Dupay and Camille Hanks each added 15 kills as Reschke turned in 10.

Patrick contributed a team-high 58 assists as Howlett led the Spartans with 31 digs. Dupay and Reschke each recorded double-doubles as they were credited with 18 and 12 digs respectively. Dupay also had a team-high five blocks for the Spartans.

A pair of tough tests await the Spartans on Saturday, with matchups against a pair of perennial powers. UT will open its day versus No. 17 Emporia State at noon, followed by a 2010 national semifinal rematch against host and No. 8 Central Missouri at 6 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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Tampa vs. Pittsburg State box score

Tampa vs. Azusa Pacific box score