September 14, 2024
Rattler Invitational Comes to a Close, Tampa Downs East Central to Remain Perfect
San Antonio, Texas – Tampa finishes the Rattler Invitational undefeated after sweeping East Central University.
Final Score: Tampa 3 (1: 25-16, 2: 25-16, 3: 27-25) East Central 0
Records: Tampa (6-0, 0-0 SSC), East Central (5-3, 0-0 GAC)
Location: Bill Greehey Arena | San Antonio, Texas
HOW IT HAPPENED:
First Set: Looking to close the San Antonio Tournament 3-0, the Spartans took control early, coming out with a 7-1 lead over the Tigers. Kalli Cors forced Head Coach Danielle Essix to take a timeout after scoring 4 kills and an ace on the Tigers. Post time-out the Spartans continue to dominate over the Tigers scoring 8 of 11 of the following points. The Spartans keep their lead as Cors scores her 6th kill of the set, earning set point. | Score: 25-16 Tampa
Second Set: Although the Spartans won the first, the Tigers came out battling for a fourth set. The score continues to go back-and-forth until Connor Rahn serves an ace for the Spartans to lead by two, at 11-9. As the Spartans start to regain momentum Rachel Gregg scores a kill forcing the Tigers to take a timeout. Meghan Schreck closes out the second set with a service ace. | Score: 25-16 Tampa
Third Set: Trying to stay perfect in the tournament, Tampa was looking to close out the match in the third set. The third set started similarly to the second, as the score continues to be neck-and-neck. Schreck scores a kill for Tampa to gain their first lead of the set at 9-8. A point later the Tigers call their first timeout of the set. Tampa's lead falls as the two teams resume to go back-and-forth, eventually forcing the Spartans to call a timeout at 16-17. As the set continues to be close, the Spartans are forced to take their second timeout of the match trailing by two. Following the timeout, the Spartans tie up the set at 23 pressuring the Tigers call their second timeout. Nathaly Perez and Hayley Dillion close out the match with a tag team block. | Score: 27-25 Tampa
INSIDE THE STATS:
- Zoey Seput led both teams with 28 assists.
- Gregg led the match with a .667 hitting percentage.
- Cors led both teams with 12 kills.