September 25, 2017
Tampa Volleyball Set to Host No. 20 Saint Leo
#TampaVB is set to host the No.20 Saint Leo Lions on Tuesday, September 26.
TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa is set to host No. 20 Saint Leo on Tuesday, September 26 at 7 p.m. in the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. This will be the first of the two rescheduled matches that resulted due to Hurricane Irma.
The Matchup: University of Tampa (3-7, 1-1 SSC) vs. Saint Leo University (6-1, 1-1 SSC)
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 26 at 7 p.m.
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
Last Time Out: Tampa defeated Lynn three sets to none. During the game, sophomore middle blocker Taylor Fosler contributed greatly to the Spartans victory, will 10 kills on 13 attempts, hitting an outstanding .692. Freshman Nylah Demps dominated on the outside pin ending the match with a team-high of 12 kills at a whopping .360 kill percentage. Opposite of Demps, Nicole Dominguez led the team in digs with 17. Veteran setter Sammy Mueller quarterbacked the offense, teeing up 24 assists on the night, while senior Kasey Reynolds played libero for the Spartans ending the night with 11 digs and three assists.
About the Spartans: The Spartans are a team full of young talent. While the start of the 2017 season has been a bit rocky, the team has a vast amount of potential.
Returning for the Spartans are 2016 All-SSC Newcomers, Taylor Fosler and Katie McKiel. Fosler, the middle hitter out of Ocala, Florida, finished her freshman campaign totaling 159 kills at a .297 hitting percentage, with 21 digs, and 85 total blocks. McKiel, the Colorado Springs native, ended her college debut playing outside for UT with a total of 272 kills at a .220 attacking percentage, 86 digs, and 35 blocks. Unfortunately, McKiel was injured this year in a preseason tournament, and now the Spartans are anxiously waiting for her return to the court.
Also, returning for the Spartans is sophomore outside hitter Nicole Dominguez. In this season alone, Dominguez has already logged 78 kills, 92 digs, eight service aces, and five solo blocks. She looks to be one of the biggest contributors as the team continues conference play.
About the Lions: The Lions start their 2017 season 6-1, 1-1 in conference play, with their only loss coming from No. 4 Palm Beach Atlantic. They look to have a lot of young talent, as their three kill leaders and starting setter are all underclassmen. Offensively, St. Leo is led by freshman outside hitter Ashley Quero, and sophomore right-side hitter Victoria Omoregie, with 71 and 68 kills respectively. On defense, the Lions average 1.74 blocks per set, and senior Jenya Kruglova leads the team in digs with 98 on the season thus far.
Series History: Tampa takes the all-time series history against St. Leo 83-3. However, the last two times these teams have met, the Lions have come out victorious.
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