No. 9 Spartans Fall to No. 21 Barry

Miami Shores, FL. – The Spartans fall in three sets to the Buccaneers.

Final Score: Tampa 0 (1: 18-25, 2: 24-26, 3: 25-27), Barry 3

Records: Tampa (21-3, 13-3 SSC), Barry (19-4, 12-4 SSC)

Location: Health & Sports Center | Miami Shores, FL.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

First Set: Despite a strong start from Barry, UTampa rallied back with precision plays from Nathaly Perez  and Connor Rahn, narrowing the deficit and applying pressure with effective kills. Kalli Cors versatile attacks and a timely service ace helped tighten the score, showcasing UTampa's ability to capitalize on momentum shifts. UTampa's defense, led by Mak Carter and Zoey Seput, thwarted several Barry attacks, keeping the set competitive. | Score: 25-18 Barry

Second Set: UTampa started strong in the second set, with Jenna Davis and Perez delivering crucial kills that helped UTampa gain an early lead. Rahn's consistent attacks, aided by setter Seput, extended UTampa's momentum, bolstered by service aces from Laney Perdue. Despite a fierce rally by Barry, key blocks by Carter and Cors stymied Barry's momentum, keeping the set highly competitive. UTampa displayed grit and strategic plays to close the gap near the end but narrowly fell short after a final push by Barry. | Score 26-24 Barry

Third Set: UTampa displayed resilience and teamwork in the third set, with strong kills from Perez, Rahn, and Cors, consistently gaining them key points. Seput's setting was pivotal, enabling multiple successful plays, while JJ Ramirez's service ace added to UTampa's momentum. Despite Barry's attempts to rally, UTampa maintained their edge through timely kills and defensive blocks. The set remained highly competitive, with UTampa narrowly missing a win but showcasing their grit and fighting spirit until the end. | Score: 27-25 Barry

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Rahn led the Spartans with 15 kills.
• Seput and Ramirez combined for 26 digs.
• Seput led the match with 37 assists.