Spartans Storm Back to Defeat Embry-Riddle in Five Sets

Daytona Beach, FL. – The Spartans are winners of three straight after defeating the Embry-Riddle Eagles in five sets.

Final Score: Tampa 3 (1: 25-19, 2: 22-25, 3: 22-25, 4: 25-20, 5: 15-10), Embry-Riddle 2

Records: Tampa (15-2, 7-2 SSC), Embry-Riddle (15-10, 7-5 SSC)

Location: ICI Center | Daytona Beach, FL.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

First Set: UT showcased an impressive performance in the first set, starting strong with early kills by Rachel Gregg and Nathaly Perez. Consistent assists from Zoey Seput enabled powerful plays from UT's hitters, including key contributions by Kalli Cors and Connor Rahn. Despite some resistance from ERAU, UT maintained its momentum, highlighted by crucial blocks and strategic points during tense moments. The set concluded with a decisive kill by Perez. | Score: 25-19 Tampa

Second Set: UT displayed resilience throughout the second set, starting with a strong opening that featured effective blocks and kills, taking an early lead. Despite a mid-set surge by ERAU that challenged UT's momentum, timely plays from Jenna Davis, Cors, and Mak Carter kept UT competitive. Strategic kills and blocks allowed UT to recover from a deficit and close the point gap near the end of the set. Ultimately, despite a late push, UT fell short. | Score 25-22 Embry-Riddle

Third Set: UT fought hard throughout the third set, demonstrating strong teamwork and strategic plays, highlighted by key kills from Perez, Cors, and Rahn. Despite ERAU's efforts to match UT's momentum, UT maintained an edge with impactful serves and blocks, taking brief leads and forcing an opponent timeout. The team's defensive grit and sharp attacks kept them within striking distance, showcasing resilience even during tight moments. Although UT ultimately fell. | Score: 22-25 Embry-Riddle

Fourth Set: UT rallied with impressive teamwork and powerful offense in the fourth set, marked by crucial kills from Perez, Cors, and Laney Perdue. After closing an early deficit, UT gained momentum and sustained it through strategic plays, including service aces by JJ Ramirez and dominant blocks by Carter and Perez. ERAU attempted a late comeback, but UT's resilience and decisive plays kept them ahead. | Score: 25-20 Tampa

Fifth Set: In the decisive fifth set, UT showcased their determination and skill with strong offensive plays from Perez, Cors, and Rahn. Despite ERAU's early lead, UT leveled the score and surged ahead, fueled by key blocks and well-placed kills. | Score: 15-10 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• 74.24% of Spartans kills came from Cors (19), Perez (15), and Rahn (15).
• Ramirez led the match with 19 digs, Cors 16 digs, and Rahn 14 digs.
• Seput recorded 50 assists to go along with 18 digs.