Wagner Rolls Tampa Past FSC in Regional Semifinal

TAMPA, Fla. - Continuing its regional momentum, the No. 1 University of Tampa volleyball team advances to the NCAA South Region Final after a sweep of rival Florida Southern College (25-23, 25-20, 25-17). The Spartans ascend to 31-1 to continue its season while the Moc's 2013 campaign comes to a close at 22-14.

Sophomore tandem Berkley Whaley and Jessica Wagner ignited for 14 and 11 kills respectively. Middle blocker Wagner dominated the net, swinging at an even .500 attack percentage while stopping six FSC swings, four as solo blocks.

Junior Kahley Patrick spun a 30 assist night including a perfect 5-for-5 attack tally. The setter tuned UT to a .302 attack percentage and flashed her defensive prowess with a team-leading 13 digs. Sophomore Marissa Lisenbee and junior Meagan Burke blocked five attacks apiece as the team totaled 11 blocks.

Florida Southern was led by sophomore middle blocker Kayshia Brady and freshman outside hitter Brindl Langley as each player grounded eight kills.

Tampa took the back-and-forth first set by a 25-23 margin as Wagner blasted a barrage of four kills in six chances. Daktronics South Region Player of the Year Whaley grounded five kills to build the Spartan momentum as libero Jen Scholz picked up five digs to stifle the Mocs.

Wagner dominated the second set as the Cape Coral, Fla. native notched three solo blocks and three kills in the 25-20 win. Tampa amassed six team blocks to limit the FSC team to a .114 clip in the second stanza.

The trio of Whaley, Lisenbee and Wagner shut the door in the third set which was won by a 25-17 final score.

The win solidified the Spartan's fifth straight south regional championship and the programs 16th total.
UT will play the No. 21 ranked University of West Florida in the final Saturday, set for a 7 p.m. start time. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.tv and the tournament host page.

NCAA Division II South Region Tournament Page

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