The Top-Ranked Spartans fall to Nova Southeastern in Five-Set Thriller

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The top-ranked Spartans fall to Nova Southeastern in five-set thriller.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: No. 1 Tampa 2 (2: 26-24, 4: 25-18) Nova Southeastern 3 (1: 25-20 3: 25-19 5: 18-16)

Records: No. 1 Tampa (10-1, 3-1 SSC), Nova Southeastern (9-2, 2-2 SSC)

Location: Noel P. Brown Sports Center|| Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

First Set: The Spartans came out strong in their second match of the weekend, holding a three-point lead halfway through the frame. However, the sharks pulled level soon after the midway point of the set. The two teams traded point for point until Nova pulled away from the Spartans with a seven-point run, a run that also burnt through two of Tampa's timeouts. The Spartans tried to pull the set back into reach, but to no avail. Score: 25-20 (1-0 Nova)

Second Set: The two highly ranked squads again traded point for point, this time much later into the frame. It wasn't until 16-16 that the Spartans were able to build a small lead with kills from outside hitter  Kalli Cors and right side Meghan Shreck, as well as two blocks from middle Tatyana Lyons. The small lead proved to be enough, and Tampa took the second frame. Score: 25-18 (1-1 Tie)

Third Set: The third set started much like the second, each team going point for point. This time though, the sharks pulled away from the Spartans and built a five-point margin which forced another timeout from the Spartans. Tampa continued to battle, but the sharks would end the set with a stellar defensive display, taking the final two points with block assists. Score: 25-19 (2-1 Nova)

Fourth Set: The Spartans built a small lead to start the fourth capitalizing on a good service game. Tampa would maintain such lead for much of the set until the Sharks brought the score back to level at 16-16. Nova then forced a timeout from the Spartans after gaining a two-point advantage, after which the Spartans leveled the score again at 18-18. The teams would trade points back and forth until 23-23, but Tampa took the set after back-to-back kills from Cors. Score: 26-24 (2-2 Tie)

Fifth Set: The two squads continued to battle in the final frame of the competition, exchanging points back and forth deep into the set. Fifteen points proved to be too few, and the teams played extra volleyball. Tampa served for the match following a kill from outside hitter Tess Schrenger. However, Nova's player of the game Kate Mihacevich responded with a solo block followed back-to-back kills which sealed the upset victory for the Sharks. Score: 18-16 (3-2 Nova)

INSIDE THE STATS: 

• Three Spartans had 10 or more kills: Cors (20), Schrnger (12), and middle Mackenzie Dufresne (12)
• Dufresne also finished with six blocks, leading both squads