WEEKEND PREVIEW: Tampa Looks to Close Out the Regular Season Play With Momentum

#3 Tampa

• After their first game of the season, the Spartans got back on track last week with commanding wins over Rollins and Florida Tech, which came on the Spartans' Senior Night. JJ Ramirez was named Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of The Week for her pivotal role in the aforementioned matches; Averaging 6.3 digs per set last week, Ramirez also tallied 3 aces and 6 assists en route to the Spartan victories. When matched up earlier this season, the Tampa defense was able to hold Eckerd and Embry-Riddle to abysmal hitting percentages of .094 and .099, respectively. Mackenzie Dufresne and Jenna Davis aren't only in the SSC top 10 for hitting percentage, at no. 1 and 2 as they average .445 and .438, they are also ranked no. 7 and 5, respectively for blocks as they both average over 1 per set. 

Eckerd

• Although on a 3-game losing streak, Eckerd is still 21-6 overall and 11-6 against their in-conference foes, partly due to an 11-game win streak, dating back to September, which was ended by the current 3-game slump. The Tritons can find themselves ranked no. 2 behind the Spartans in the following statistical categories: Average points per set with 17.76, hitting percentage allowed at .137, 10.76 kills from opponents, and only allowing 10 assists per set from opponents. However, Eckerd is averaging just under 2 aces per set and conversely, only allowing 1.05 aces per set, which both lead the way for the SSC. As Eckerd prepares to host Tampa this week, they also have a cross-state road trip to close out their season as they travel to Barry and Lynn this coming Friday and Saturday. 

Embry-Riddle

• Currently ranked second, only behind Tampa, in the Sunshine State Conference, the Eagles have compiled an overall record of 21-7 while going 12-5 against conference opponents. Junior outside hitter, Jaden McBride, is having an impressive season in terms of statistical accomplishments; Averaging 3.65 kills per set, 39 total aces, and 431 total points, McBride is ranked no. 5 in kills, second in aces and in points, across the entire SSC. Embry-Riddle has 3 games remaining in their 2023 regular season campaign, as they prepare to host Rollins, Tampa, and Florida Southern all this upcoming week.