Dani California: Selkridge Leads Spartans To Semifinal Matchup

SAN BERNARDINO, Cal. - And then there were four. The No. 2 University of Tampa volleyball team advances to the NCAA Division II Semifinal match after defeating the University of Bridgeport 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-8).

The Spartans continue their season with a 33-1 record while the Purple Knights campaign ends 21-8.

Offensive middle tandem Danielle Selkridge and Camille Hanks led the Spartan charge, amassing nine and seven kills respectively. The Tortola, Virgin Islands native Selkridge blocked five UB swings, including three solos while Hanks tallied two service aces in her 7-for-8 showing.

The squad totaled 10 service aces as Eva Dupay doled out three for Tampa. Junior outside hitter Jessica Yingling killed six with a pair of aces and five digs in the quarterfinal match.

Libero Julie Howlett picked up 13 digs to limit the opposition to a meager -.023 hitting percentage. South Region Freshman of the Year Kahley Patrick assisted 26 UT and ranked second with eight digs in the Tampa showing.

Tampa took the first set 25-16 as Hanks swatted a perfect 4-for-4 to begin the match as nerves motivate the senior middle. "This is my last year and I have nothing to lose" says Hanks of her first set performance.

Howlett paced the defense with six digs while Yingling notched four. The duo aided in limiting the Purple Knights to a .000 attack percentage in the premier stanza. The UT team totaled five service aces as Hanks and Dupay posted a pair while Howlett tallied the fifth.

The Purple Knights put up a struggle in the early parts of the second frame, leading 8-4 at a short time. Selkridge returned to form, picking up a pair of blocks and three kills in four chances. Middle hitter Meagan Burke and Yingling each swatted a trio of kills for their squad as the team won 25-18 in the second set.

The Spartans took no prisoners in the third set, ending Bridgeport's season with a 25-8 final set showing. Senior Brianne Yeates grounded four kills and two blocks in her standout third frame.

The Spartans head to the semifinals to face the winner of the Central Missouri/Concordia-St. Paul showdown, slated for a Friday 8 p.m. ET start. NCAA video webcast will be available through www.ncaa.com/liveschedule.

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