WEEKEND PREVIEW: No. 5 Spartans Set to Host Tampa Classic to Open up Regular Season Play

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa volleyball is set to host the Tampa Classic at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center beginning this Friday, September 1. The Spartans open up regular season play on Friday versus Central Missouri and will play two additional matches on Saturday to conclude the weekend.

WEEK 1

Friday, 5:30 p.m. vs. Central Missouri

Saturday, 1:30 p.m. vs. Missouri S&T

Saturday, 8 p.m. vs. Gannon

 #5 Tampa

• Finishing the 2022 season ranked No. 9 in the final American Volleyball Coaches Association Poll, the Spartans open up the 2023 season as the No. 5 team in the nation. Returning 15 players, including the AVCA South Region Freshman of the Year, Tess Schrenger, and the 2022 Division ll leader in hitting percentage, Mackenzie Dufresne, as well as adding 3 newcomers, the Spartans hope to start strong for Coach Catanach's 40th Season.

Central Missouri

• Voted No. 5 in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Jennies finished the 2022 season with an overall record of 19-11 and 14-6 within the MIAA.

Missouri S&T

• The Great Lakes Valley Conference Preseason Poll ranked the Missouri S&T Miners tied for No. 4. 

#24 Gannon

• Gannon had a stellar season in 2022 as the Golden Kinghts advanced to the 2022 NCAA Elite Eight after winnng the Atlantic Regional. The Golden Knights rank No. 24 in the AVCA Division ll preseason poll, were recently voted as favorites in the Western Division of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

Live stats for all games this weekend can be found at Tampastats.com. 

Live broadcasts for all games this weekend can be found at TampaSpartans.tv.