Spartans Take Pair Over Nationally Ranked Opponents

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The No. 3 University of Tampa (7-0) volleyball team played to a pair of victories over nationally-ranked opponents, defeating No. 17 Emporia State University (4-2) and No. 8 University of Central Missouri (5-2) by scores of 3-0 and 3-2. The matches were part of the Peggy Martin Classic hosted by UCM.

The Spartans came out strong to begin the day, taking the first set by a 25-16 margin over Emporia State. After beginning the second frame with a 10-2 lead, Tampa held off a rally to claim the stanza by a 25-21 edge. Set three was decided in similar fashion with a slim 25-22 victory.

Danielle Selkridge connected on 15 kills, hitting .480 in the contest. The junior middle hitter also led the Spartans with three blocks, including two solo blocks in the first set.

Senior Eva Dupay notched her second straight double-double with 12 kills and a team-high 16 digs. Freshman setter Kahley Patrick added 42 assists and 10 digs while Julie Howlett tallied 15 digs. Holly Reschke also contributed two solo blocks, both occurring in the opening set.

Against Central Missouri, Tampa came out ahead in the opening frame with a 25-22 win. The Spartans kept the momentum by hitting .485 in the second set, claiming a 25-14 advantage. The Jennies got in gear in the third, winning 25-13 as it outhit Tampa .615 to .148 in the third set.

In the fourth set, UT battled back from a pair of deficits to put itself in position with a pair of match-point opportunities. Danielle Selkridge scored the final four Spartan points, on a block solo and three kills before UCM took the 27-25 victory to force a fifth and deciding set.

The fifth set was all Tampa, who got out to a 5-1 lead and never let go. A .526 attack percentage for the Spartans made the difference at it connected on 8-of-10 attempts.

Selkridge led Tampa with 25 kills, hitting .537 while also recording two total blocks. Dupay added 14 kills and 15 digs as Reschke turned in 13 kills. Howlett had 24 digs while Patrick finished with 62 assists.

Tampa will return home prior to traveling to south Florida top open Sunshine State Conference play. The Spartans will first meet Lynn on Friday at 7 p.m., and conclude the swing at Barry on Saturday at 4 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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Tampa vs. Emporia State box score

Tampa vs. Central Missouri box score