No. 1 Spartans begin conference play with a win on the road

LAKELAND, Fla. – The top-ranked Spartans begin conference play with a victory sweep against Florida Southern on the road

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: No. 1 Tampa 3 (1: 25-17, 2: 25-18, 3: 25-17), Florida Sothern 0

Records: No. 1 Tampa 8-0, Florida Southern 5-4

Location: George W. Jenkins Field House || Lakeland, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

First Set: The first set began with the Spartans starting strong capitalizing off the Mocs errors. Kalli Cors secured the first of many kills in the game setting the tempo for the offense. Tampa then went on a 4-0 run forcing the Mocs to take a timeout to regroup. From there, the Spartans maintained their intensity increasing their lead one kill at a time. Nathaly Perez led the team with four kills of her own. The Mocs pushed back nailing a few kills, but nothing stopped the Spartans from securing the first set. Score: 25-17 (Tampa)

Second Set: The second set started with the Mocs going on a 3-0 rally before the Spartans got on the board. Two early net violations on the Spartans helped the Mocs extend their lead. It was a grudge match between the two teams with the Mocs looking for something to prove against the reigning national champions. The Spartans rallied themselves back on top with their defense showing up on every play and their offense following behind. Score: 25-18 (Tampa)

Third Set: The Spartans kept the tempo going into the third set in hopes of finishing the game with a win. They allowed the Mocs a few points, but never lost their lead. The Spartans offense kept connecting after capitalizing off the Mocs mistakes. Three Spartans finished the third set with four or more kills: Perez with five including Cors and Tess Schrenger finishing with four a piece. Score: 25-17 (Tampa)

INSIDE THE STATS: 

• Two Spartans finished the game with 10 or more kills: Perez (14), Cors (10)
• Mackenzie Dufresne led the defense with 5 blocks
• Tampa out dug the Mocs 90-69 with Claudia Rivera securing 27 of them