Tampa Triumphs in a Pair of Ranked Matchups

DENVER, Colo. - The No. 1 University of Tampa volleyball team defeated a pair of ranked opponents in No. 9 West Texas A & M and No. 21 Regis in the first day of the Colorado Premier Challenge.

The Spartans improve to 6-0 on the season as senior Holly Reschke posted a double-double in each matchup. Middle blocker Jessica Wagner ended the first day of play with 13 blocks while setter Kahley Patrick posted 60 assists.

In its first match, Tampa toppled the previously undefeated and No. 9 ranked West Texas A & M by a 3-1 score (25-16, 25-20, 19-25, 25-21). The Spartans rode a trio of double-doubles from Berkley Whaley, Reschke and Patrick to the four set triumph over the Lady Buffs, dropping WTAMU to a 5-1 record.

Junior Jackie Neff scorched the No. 9 team in the nation, hitting an errorless 10-for-16 at a blistering .625. Sophomore Whaley led the team both on offense and defense, posting 16 kills and a season high 21 digs for the UT squad while Reschke grounded 14 kills and 12 digs.

Setter Patrick spun 30 assists with 13 digs to set the offensive tempo as libero Jen Scholz dug out 14 WTAMU swings. Sophomore Wagner contributed seven digs, six kills and five blocks as Tampa continued its torrid start to the season.

The Spartans took the second match by 3-1 tally against the No. 21 team in the nation and co-hosts of the tournament, Regis University. Tampa took the match by scores of 25-21, 25-19, 25-27, 25-18 as the team heads into the second day of the premier 6-0.

Offensive tandem Neff and Reschke carried their offensive success to the second match, posting 12 and 13 kills respectively while Whaley also eclipsed double-digit kills with 11. Wagner showed masterful defense with eight blocks and four digs as the middle's net presence was too much for the Rangers to handle.

Regis was limited to a .159 attack percentage as Reschke, Scholz and setter Gina Clarke recorded double-digit digs to complement Wagner.

Tampa v. West Texas A & M Box Score

Tampa v. Regis Box Score

The Spartans return to the court Saturday at 11:30 a.m. against No. 14 Southwest Minnesota State. Live stats will be available through the interactive schedule at www.tampaspartans.com.

Fans may follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans). UT also offers blAst, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.