Spartans Reinvent the Wheeling
PENSACOLA, Fla. - No. 7 University of Tampa volleyball made quick work in their opening game at NCAA Nationals, defeating No. 18 Wheeling Jesuit University in three sets. The Spartans now advance to the NCAA Semifinals.
Tampa now posts an overall record of 31-3. The Cardinals of Wheeling Jesuit finish its 2012 campaign at 38-3.
Leading the Spartans was recently named NCAA National Player of the Year, Danielle Selkridge. The senior led the team with ten kills on 19 swings. Freshman Marissa Lisenbee added with seven kills of her own to help the Spartans to a sweep.
Defense was the name of the game in the opening set, as the Spartans limited the Cardinals to a .027 attack percentage. Tampa dug out 19 of Wheeling Jesuit's 37 total attempts, with Frances Cardenas leading UT with five. The offense was evenly distributed with five Spartans connecting for multiple kills as Tampa took the opening frame 25-16.
In the second stanza, Tampa continued its superb defensive play to seal the 25-14 victory. Selkridge, Lisenbee and Holly Reschke all paced UT with three kills apiece. Setters Kahley Patrick and Sloane Baby each provided six assists as the Spartans recorded 13 kills total on the set.
The Spartans took an early lead in the final frame and never looked back, securing a 25-15 victory. A top performer was Meagan Burke, who finished her night with six kills.
The Spartans move on to the NCAA Final Four and will meet The University of Indianapolis. The Greyhounds defeated The University of New Haven 3-1 in an earlier match to advance. Indianapolis has posted a 31-7 overall record on the season, including a win against Tampa on August 31st. The Spartans will seek redemption in the semifinal matchup, slated for an 8:30 P.M. start.
Live stats and live video of the match are available at http://www.ncaa.com/sports/volleyball-women/d2.
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