Spartans Sweep Panthers in Friday Night Meeting

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Tampa sweeps Florida Tech after an extended third set.    

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:  

Final Score: No. 9 Tampa 3 (1: 25-15, 2: 25-18, 3: 29-27), Florida Tech 0  

Records: No. 9 Tampa 21-2 (12-1 SSC), Florida Tech 4-20 (2-11 SSC)  

Location: Charles and Ruth Clemente Center || Melbounre Fla.  

All-Time Series: Tampa yet to lose to Florida Tech, going 89-0 over the last 46 years dating back to their first meeting in 1975.  

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HOW IT HAPPENED:  

First Set: The match began back and forth early on in the first set until the Spartans rallied of an 8-1 scoring run, seven of which were assisted by freshman setter Emily Noe. Five of those sets went to senior Melissa Elias who was one of four Tampa players with at least four kills in the first frame. The Spartans recorded back-to-back blocks to close out the first set 25-15. Score: 1-0 Tampa   

Second Set: The Spartans got out to a small lead to start the second, and slowly increased the advantage throughout the set. Setting responsibilities in the were split by Elias and sophomore Chelsea Simmons who recorded seven and six assists respectively. Senior Katie McKiel displayed her talents offensively and defensively recording four blocks and assist in the second set alone. Tampa takes the second frame by a score of 25-18. Score: 2-0 Tampa    

Third Set: The third set was a constant back and forth battle until the end. The Spartans displayed their depth around the court with contributions from outside hitters Sarah Louma and Hailey Dillon. A kill from the Panthers gave them a 27-26 lead, but three straight points from the Spartans captured the win 29-27. Final: 3-0 Tampa  

INSIDE THE STATS:  

• Simmons recorded double digit assists for the fourth time this season and Elias recorder her 14^th game with at least 20 assists 
• Middle blocker Taylor Fosler recorded a season high 6 blocks. 
• Rivera tallied her ninth consecutive game with double digit digs.  
  
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