TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa volleyball team prepares to host the Tampa Classic to kick start the 2008 season. The tournament begins Friday at 11 am. The participating teams include Ashland, Central Oklahoma, Northern Kentucky, Florida Southern, and St. Leo.
The Spartans enter the season ranked number 7 in the AVCA preseason poll after finishing number 4 with a record of 31-3 in 2007. They are also tabbed second in the Sunshine State Conference preseason poll, behind fellow tournament participant Florida Southern.
UT is among three teams represented in the AVCA preseason poll as Florida Southern was tabbed ninth and Ashland comes in at 21.
Tampa will open up their season against GLIA Conference member Ashland at 8 pm and holds a 2-0 record all-time versus the Eagles. They meet for the first time since 1992.
Tickets are available at the gate for $5 (adults) and $3 (students and senior citizens). UT students will be admitted for free with a valid student ID.
UT will offer live stats and an audio/video webcast for each of its matches. Please follow the Multimedia links from www.tampaspartans.com for viewing.
Friday, August 29
11 am - Saint Leo vs. Central Oklahoma
3 pm - Saint Leo vs. Ashland
5 pm - Central Oklahoma vs. Northern Kentucky
8 pm - Ashland vs. Tampa
Saturday, August 30
12 pm - Florida Southern vs. Northern Kentucky
2 pm - Tampa vs. Central Oklahoma
4 pm - Florida Southern vs. Ashland
6 pm - Tampa vs. Northern Kentucky
8 pm - Ashland vs. Central Oklahoma