Spartans Solve Embry-Riddle in Straight-Sets

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Behind the swing of middle blocker Jessica Wagner, the No. 4 University of Tampa volleyball team swept Embry-Riddle by a 3-0 final score at the ICI Center, Saturday.

The Spartans return home boasting a 9-3 record while the Eagles are dealt their second loss of the season and conclude with a 9-2 overall mark.

Wagner unleashed 12 kills across the contest, hitting at a .400 attack percentage while adding four blocks for UT. Fellow senior Marissa Lisenbee stopped seven attacks at the net in addition to posting 11 kills as a rounded offensive and defensive effort.

Outside hitters Berkley Whaley and Megan Heffron swatted 12 and six kills, respectively, as Heffron added a career-best 15 digs. Freshman Logan Holanchock led the defense with another strong outing, picking up 21 digs against the Eagles.

The two sides battled in the opening frame, with the Spartans claiming a 25-23 win in the premier stanza. Senior Heffron peppered five kills while adding six digs in the first set alone as the outside hitter combined with libero Holanchock on defense. Holanchock finished the with six digs to her credit in the opening the match against Embry-Riddle.

The second set saw a pair of tie scores, but the Spartans never surrendered a lead to take the frame by a 25-17 final score. Right side hitter Lisenbee terminated five kills to lead the charge while outside hitter Whaley grounded four kills. Defensive dynamo Holanchock continued to show her back row presence with another six digs. Junior Allee Stelogeannis posted a pair of blocks to aid in the defensive effort at UT won the second set.

Wagner unloaded a five-kill salvo in the third frame to put away the Eagles by a 25-22 final score. Tampa totaled four blocks on the set as Lisenbee had a hand in each to stifle Embry-Riddle at the net. Holanchock added nine digs in the final frame as the Spartans took the match in a sweep. Stelogeannis ended finished with four blocks, stopping two in the third and final set.

Tampa will return home to host Barry University in the Thursday night matchup to kick off October. The Oct. 1 showdown will feature live stats and a live video webcast through www.tampaspartans.com.

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