Spartans Knock Out Argonauts; Advance to South Region Finals

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 5 Universitty of Tampa Spartans faced off against the University of West Florida Argonauts Saturday night, in the NCAA South Region Semifinals.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: Tampa 3 (1: 25-20, 2: 25-19, 3: 25-17) , West Florida 0

Records: No. 5 Tampa (29-3) , West Florida (28-6)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

First Set: The game started off with West Florida taking the first point. The Spartans would follow up on the next play. For the duration of the set, both teams traded points back and forth. No team could sustain a lead as the lead changed five times and tied a total of 12. With the Spartans leading at 16-15, they proceeded to go on a 7-1 run to get within two of winning the set (23-17). Then, West Florida went on a 3-0 run to cut the lead to three. But West Florida could not finish the, giving up two-straight errors to give the Spartans the first set. Score: 25-20 (Tampa)

Second Set: The Argonauts set the tone early scoring the first four points of the set. However, it would not be long until the Spartans tied the score at eight with Tess Schrenger soaring up in the air and spikes the ball down. The next couple of posessions were close in action until, the Spartans broke away yet again, towards the late half of the set. They proceeded to go on a 9-2 run to the put them up six (22-16). The Argonauts yet again, gave up unforced errors during the last few possessions of the set, enhancing the Spartans momentum in the game. Score: 25-19 (Tampa)

Third Set: Although, West Florida scored the first two points, the Spartans looked more confident and their play which translated to the socreboard as they gained the lead shortly after, with a decent margin from West Florida. The Spartans defense amplified when Mackenzie Dufresne had mulitple defensive blocks which gave the opposing side are difficult time scoring and continued to benefit the Spartans as they led by seven (20-13). Tatyana Lyons also contributed to the Spartans defense, assisting on blocks to ensure West Florida would not get back into the game. Nathaly Perez, leading the team offensively, sealed the deal with the a kill. Final: 25-17 (Tampa)

INSIDE THE STATS: 

• Perez: 10 kills; lead the team
• Rivera: Game-high 11 digs
• Dufresne & Lyons: 14 of the team's 16 blocks
• Tampa had 11 fewer errors than West Florida (27-16)

UP NEXT: The Spartans will face Barry University Sunday, Nov. 20 @7pm in Tampa, Fla.