Spartans Persevere For Thrilling Five-Set Win

TAMPA, Fla.  – The University of Tampa Spartans welcomed the Barry University Buccaneers for a Saturday afternoon, Sunshine State Conference matchup at the Martinez Center. The Spartans battled back against the Buccaneers as they won the final three sets. With the victory, Tampa now improves to 19-6 and 12-2 in the SSC. Barry falls to 15-20 and 8-6 in the SSC.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Tampa was the first team on the board with a Service ace by Sammy Mueller. The Buccaneers would tie up the set at 7-7. The Spartans battled back 11-9. The set was back and forth with the game being tied several times. Barry powered ahead past making the score 20-15. Tampa would rally balancing the set at 24. The Buccaneers would take the set 26-24.

Barry was on the board first for the second set, but the Spartans quickly countered with a service ace by Sorrel Houghton. Tampa was able to hold the lead for the first part of the set, 10-6. Barry was able to come back and tie the set up at 10. The set was another close one with both teams fighting hard. Barry went on to take the second set 25-21.

The Buccaneers took an early lead in the third set 4-0. After being down 22-15, the Spartans were able to add the next six points, making the score 22-21. Barry put the Spartans streak to a stop. Tampa was quickly able to regroup and tie the set up at 24-24. The Spartans would go on to win set three 27-25.

The fourth set started off back and forth. Tampa was able to get a two-point lead 11-9. Barry came together to tie the set up again at 13. The Spartans retook the lead scoring four straight making the score 20-16. The Buccaneers evened out the set once again 20-20. The set ended just as it started with both teams rallying. The Spartans won the set 27-25, forcing a fifth set.

The Spartans started ahead of the Buccaneers 4-2. Barry then took control of the set by earning four straight points making the score 6-4. Tampa put up four straight points to regain the lead 8-6. The Buccaneers would level the set at eight. Barry would take the lead scoring five points in a row, making the score 13-9. The Spartans worked together to bring the game to 14-14. Neither team was willing to throw in the towel as the set went back and forth. The Spartans went on to win the set 20-18.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Sammy Mueller led the way for the Spartans as she finished 38 assists.
• Katie McKiel led the game with sixty-nine attacks.
• McKiel also picked up double-double as she recorded 17 kills and 11 digs.
• Nicole Dominguez led the game with 25 digs on the night.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE

• Tampa improves their all-time series record against  Barry to 56-18.
• UT extends their win streak to 14 games.

UP NEXT

The Spartans will return to action on Tuesday, when they visit Florida Southern at 7:00 p.m.

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