WEEKEND PREVIEW: No. 3 Spartans Host Conference Rivals At Home After Successful Road Trip
October 8, 2023

WEEKEND PREVIEW: No. 3 Spartans Host Conference Rivals At Home After Successful Road Trip

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 3 Spartans are back home against two conference opponents hoping to add to their 15-game win streak.
 
Week 7
 
Tuesday, 7 p.m. vs Florida Southern

Saturday, 4 p.m. vs Embry-Riddle

#3 Tampa

  • The Spartans success continues with 2 more wins away from last week to bring their conference-best record to 15-0. Hosting Florida Southern and Embry-Riddle this week, the Spartans only have faced the former this season, beating the Mocs 3 sets to none on September 16. This will be Tampa's first meeting with Embry-Riddle since last season, where the Spartans won both matchups. Kalli Cors and Tess Schrenger rank in at No. 2 and 7 in the Sunshine State Conference in aces served, averaging 0.44 and 0.36, respectively. Current SSC Offensive Player of the Week, Mackenzie Dufresne, surpassed teammate Jenna Davis in hitting percentage at .444 with Davis at .434, while both still leading the entire conference.

Florida Southern

  • After the Spartans handed the Mocs their loss in conference earlier this season, the Mocs went on to lose 3 more straight conference matches but have since turned things around and are currently on a 4 game-winning streak. The Mocs currently occupy the No. 5 position in the Sunshine State Conference Standings with a record of 10-5 and 5-4 against conference opponents. Florida Southern, as a team, is currently leading the entire SSC in blocks, averaging 2.59 per set, led by Madison Fowler and Emily Crescenzi who are ranked second and fifth, respectively, in total blocks across the SSC.

Embry-Riddle

  • The Eagles are the No. 2 ranked team in the Sunshine State Conference, only trailing the Spartans, with an overall record of 12-4 and a conference record of 6-2. Embry-Riddle is currently ranked in the top 3 across the entire SSC in the following statistical categories: points, assists, aces allowed, aces served, and digs, while also ranking No. 4 in blocks and kills. Last season, Embry-Riddle didn't fair too well against Tampa as they were only able to win 1 set over 2 meetings. However, with 13 returning players, the Eagles will look to their experience in their matchup against the Spartans.