Spartans Take Two in Volleyball Opener

LAKELAND, Fla. - With the first day of its season in the books, the No. 2 University of Tampa volleyball team emerged 2-0 in a pair of straight set sweeps to begin their 2013 campaign.

Newcomers Berkeley Whaley and Allee Stelogeannis had an instant impact for the Spartans as Whaley ended the day with 19 kills to lead the squad while Stelogeannis notched 11.

The returning core was equally impressive as junior Jackie Neff ended the day with 17 kills at a torrid .382 hitting percentage while sophomore Jessica Wagner grounded 11 at a .455 clip.

Tampa handed Northwood University its first loss of the season in a sweep (27-25, 25-22, 25-12). Outside hitting tandem Whaley and Holly Reschke paced the offense alongside right side hitter Neff.

Whaley ended the contest with a team-leading 11 kills while Neff and Reshcke grounded nine each. Senior Reschke swung at a sizzling .727 clip and tallied nine digs. Setting duo Gina Clarke and Kahley Patrick paced the offensive tempo with 24 and 17 assists respectively.

The Spartan defense tallied 14 blocks on the contest as Meagan Burke and Whaley each had a hand in six stops. Freshman Stelogeannis and middle blocker Wagner contributed four blocks to round out the UT defensive showing.

The UT squad also swept Belmont Abbey College by set scores of 25-17, 25-17, 25-16 to push the Crusaders even at 1-1 to start their season. Senior Kim Amerell swung 9-for-16 to lead the Spartans followed closely by Whaley and Neff, who each amassed eight kills.

Libero Jen Scholz grounded a trio of service aces in the second set to go along with five digs.

Tampa will continue the FSC/Terrace Hotel Classic Saturday with a pair of matches against Wisconsin-Parkside at 11 a.m. and Anderson, S.C. at 3 p.m. Both games will be played at the Jenkins Field House of host Florida Southern College.

Tampa v. Northwood Box Score

Tampa v. Belmont Abbey Box Score

Live stats will be made available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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