Spartans Continue to Climb National Poll to No. 12
After starting the 2018 11-1, Tampa Volleyball has been tabbed the No. 12 best team in the nation according to the AVCA.
TAMPA, Fla. – After opening Sunshine State Conference play with a perfect 4-0 record, the University of Tampa Volleyball team tabbed the No. 12 spot in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association Division II coaches poll as announced by the association office, Monday. Tampa's overall record advances to 11-1.
Most recently, the team swept both the Rollins College Tars and the Eckerd College Tritons. Sophomore Sorrel Houghton led the Spartans attacking efforts with 23 total kills. Against the Tritons, she hit an outstanding .647, with 11 kills on 17 attempts with zero errors! Junior, Sammy Mueller has continued to serve as the Spartan's primary setter. Last week, she recorded 68 assists and 17 digs. Another emerging star that has been crucial to Tampa's early success, is sophomore, Melissa Elias, who ended the battle with Eckerd with nine kills, nine assists, and nine digs. If the game had continued to additional sets, she would have been the first Spartan this season to record a triple-double.
Northern State snags the No. 1 spot, followed by reigning national champions, Concordia-St. Paul, at No. 2. To round out the top five, Palm Beach Atlantic climbs one spot to No. 3, Lewis advances to the No. 4 position, and Cal State San Bernardino takes home No. 5.
Tampa will continue its season on the road this week, with two more conference matches. The first game against No. 3 Palm Beach Atlantic on Friday at 7:00 p.m. The Spartans will then take on the Sharks of Nova Southeastern on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Click here for the complete Week 4 AVCA Poll
Fans may follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/tampaspartans), Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans), YouTube (www.youtube.com/utathletics) and Instagram (tampaspartans).
UT also offers free messaging service for text and/or email, which sends alerts and press releases for Spartan teams. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com. A free app is also available for free download through Apple and Google Play stores. Please search for Tampa Spartans Front Row.