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Spartans Fall to Buccaneers in NCAA South Region Finals
November 20, 2022

Spartans Fall to Buccaneers in NCAA South Region Finals

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 5 University of Tampa Spartans faced off in the NCAA South Region Finals, where they were eliminated by Barry Univerisity Sunday night.

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 5 University of Tampa Spartans faced off in the NCAA South Region Finals, where they were eliminated by Barry University Sunday night.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: Barry 3 (1: 25-21, 2: 25-15, 3: 25-18) , Tampa 0

Records: Barry (28-5, 16-4 SSC) , No. 5 Tampa (29-4, 17-3 SSC) 

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

First Set: Tampa and Barry kept the score relatively close, frequently tying the game, possession after possession. Barry's outside hitter, Diana Akopova carried her team and kept them in the game offensively resulting in such a close game. Akopova spiked 14 kills in just one set, giving the Spartans a difficult time to retaliate. The Spartans tied the set at 18, but would eventually give up the lead. This allowed Barry to close the set via a kill by Tyanna Butler. Score: 25-21 (Barry)

Second Set: The Spartans had a bad start out the gate and could find a rhythm as their opponents quickly gained a lead early. Ultimately, the Spartans would tie the score at nine, but would then proceed to give away the lead yet again, causing head coach Chris Catanach to call a timeout (11-9). From there, Barry would continue their momentum offensively, gaining a seven point lead before Tampa called another timeout (20-13). Barry would then go on a 6-2 run to close out the set. Score: 25-15 (Barry)

Third Set: Constant lead changes early, were evident due to Tampa's resurgence of momentum– score was tied at 10. Barry then regained control of the pace, going on 12-6 run due to Akopova's offensive tenacity, netting a service ace which led to a Spartan timeout (22-16). Right out the timeout, Djuly Schmorantz obtained set point via a kill with an eight-point lead. Mackenzie Dufresne would immediately retaliate. However, Akopova would have the final say on the match. Final: 25-18 (Barry)

 

INSIDE THE STATS: 

  • Akopova: 27 Kills, 9 digs

  • Schmorantz: 15 Assists, 5 Kills

  • Barry Hitting %: .303%

  • Barry SetA vs Tampa: 41-27

 

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