Tampa Advances to Semifinal, Will Play MSU Denver
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Spartans outlast the Bulldogs in a five-set thriller to continue their season.
Final Score: No. 1 Tampa 3 (1: 25–15, 2: 25–17, 3: 14–25, 4: 25–27, 5: 15-11), No. 8 Ferris State 2
Records: No. 1 Tampa (32-0, 20-0 SSC), Ferris State (27-8, 13-3 GLIAC)
Location: Sanford Pentagon | Sioux Falls, S.D.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
First Set: Tampa opened the match in control, attacking efficiently and setting the tempo early. The Spartans hit .410 in the opening frame with 17 kills and just one error, using steady offense to pull away and take the first set with authority. | Score: 25-15 Tampa
Second Set: The Spartans carried their momentum into the second set, continuing to apply pressure at the net. Tampa posted a .382 hitting percentage while limiting Ferris State's offensive rhythm, maintaining separation throughout the frame to extend the match lead to 2–0. | Score 25-17 Tampa
Third Set: Ferris State responded with its strongest push of the night in the third set. Tampa struggled to find offensive consistency, committing seven attack errors, while the Bulldogs capitalized to swing momentum and take the set. | Score 14-25 Ferris State
Fourth Set: The fourth set developed into a tightly contested battle, featuring extended rallies and multiple late-set swings. Ferris State edged ahead in the closing points, handing Tampa its second straight dropped set and forcing a decisive fifth frame. | Score 25-27 Ferris State
Fifth Set: With the season on the line, Tampa regrouped and delivered its most composed performance under pressure. The Spartans hit .417 in the deciding set with no attack errors, pairing clean offense with key defensive stops to close out the five-set victory and remain perfect on the season. | Score 15-11 Tampa
INSIDE THE STATS:
- Tampa outhit Ferris State .308 to .235 for the match.
- Tess Schrenger recorded a double-digit dig performance with 25 digs while contributing 11 kills.
- Connor Rahn led all players with 25 kills, adding 20 digs and 2.0 blocks.
- Kayla Dondero and Jenna Glaudel combined for 51 assists.
