Volleyball Splits Colorado Premier Doubleheader

DENVER, Colo. - The No. 1 University of Tampa volleyball team split the final day of the Colorado Premier Challenge.

The Spartans return to home with a 7-1 overall record after defeating No. 14 Southwest Minnesota State 3-0 but then were handed their first loss to none other than No. 4 Concordia-St. Paul 3-1.

Sophomore Jessica Wagner ended the day with 12 blocks, ending the tournament with 25 total. Senior Holly Reschke grounded 24 kills on the day while fellow outside hitter Berkley Whaley notched 21. The trio was named to the Colorado Premier all-tournament team for their strong performances.

The Spartans made quick work of SMSU by set scores of 25-12, 26-24, and 25-15. Middle blocker Wagner was a wall at the net, blocking 11 while also grounding seven kills of her own. Hitting tandem Whaley and Reschke each posted eight kills as the latter also assisted five blocks.

The Spartans totaled 17 blocks in the three set contest, limiting the Mustangs to a -.045 hitting clip. SMSU was led by Abbey Thissen, the lone player to record double-digit kills with 10.

UT met an all too familiar foe in the final match of the tournament as the Spartans were on the losing end of a top five showdown. The No. 4 Golden Bears gave Tampa its first loss by scores of 25-27, 25-16, 25-15, and 25-18.

Sophomore Marissa Lisenbee amassed 10 kills in the match while Reschke and Whaley led with 16 and 13 kills respectively. Libero Frances Cardenas picked up 15 digs while sophomore Jen Scholz tallied 10.

Concordia was led by Erienne Lauerdorf and Kayla Koenecke as the duo grounded 21 and 17 kills as Koenecke posted a triple-double with 10 assists and 14 digs.

Tampa v. SMSU Box Score

Tampa v. Concordia-St. Paul Box Score

Colorado Premier All-Tournament Team:
MVP: Kayla Koenecke (RS/S), Concordia
Amanda Konetchy (S), Concordia
Holly Reschke (OH), Tampa
Berkley Whaley (OH), Tampa
Abbey Thissen (RS), Southwest Minnesota State
Riley Hanson (MB), Concordia
Lindsay Homme (MB), West Florida
Katie Klein (RS), Regis
Jessica Wagner (MB), Tampa
Maddie Huth (MB), Angelo State
Maggi Jo Keffury (S), Angelo State
Emilee Gutzmer (S), Southwest Minnesota State
Alysa Heath (OH/RS), Metro State

The Spartans will host their home opener on Friday Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. against Florida Tech to open up Sunshine State Conference play. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be available through the interactive schedule at www.tampaspartans.com.

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