Spartans Tame Lions 3-1, Clinching a Share of the Conference Title

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 9 University of Tampa Spartans defeated the Saint Leo Lions in four sets by scores of 25-19, 21-25, 25-19, and 25-17.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: No. 9 University of Tampa 3, Saint Leo University 1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-19, 25-17)
Records: Tampa Spartans (27-3, 17-2 SSC) vs. Saint Leo Lions (16-14, 11-8 SSC)
Location: Marion Bowman Activities Center | St. Leo, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Tampa Spartans defeated the Saint Leo Lions in four sets, clinching a share of the conference title, 2018 Sunshine State Conference Champions. The Spartans offense was led by a trio of sophomore pin hitters, Katie McKiel, Sorrel Houghton, and Nylah Demps. All three hitters earned 11 kills on the night, with Demps hitting an outstanding .588. Sammy Mueller dished out 40 assists while also logging nine digs and six kills of her own. Out of the middle, Taylor Fosler and Alexandra Misca earned 9 and 7 kills respectively. Misca, also led the team in service aces with two. Finally, junior Nicole Dominguez recorded 13 digs bringing her season total to 475. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Nylah Demps had an outstanding hitting percentage of .588, earning 11 kills on 17 attempts. This marked her highest hitting percentage of the 2018 season. Demps also had a team-high and season-high of eight total blocks.

• Katie McKiel earned a double-double for the Spartans with 11 kills and 14 digs on the night. This is her 17^thdouble-double of the season. 

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
The Spartans lead the all-time series over the Lions 85-5. This was the second meeting of the two teams this season. In their first meeting, the Spartans swept the Lions in three. 

UP NEXT:
The Spartans will take the court again tomorrow at conference rival, Florida Southern. The first whistle will blow at 4:00 p.m. Live stats and a live video webcast will be provided through www.tampaspartans.com.

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