#6 Spartans Cruise to Victory Over Nova Southeastern

TAMPA, Fla. - The sixth-ranked University of Tampa (11-1, 2-1 SSC) volleyball team registered a 3-0 victory over visiting Nova Southeastern University (10-4, 0-1) in its Sunshine State Conference home opener.

The Spartans enjoyed a blazing .480 hitting percentage in set one, while holding the Sharks to a .029 clip. UT got out to a 10-4 lead, as it held the comfortable advantage to register a 25-18 victory. Tampa finished the set with zero hitting errors and 12 kills.

In set two, Tampa benefited from another quick start as it took an 8-4 lead. The Spartans held the lead for the rest of the frame as they notched a 25-17 win. The hitting percentages evened out, with UT recording a .182 mark compared .079 by Nova.

The third set was a familiar success for Tampa, as it won 25-18. While limiting NSU to a -.120 attach percentage, Tampa had four total blocks to go with three service aces. Tampa also committed just four errors while forcing nine from Nova.

It was a total team effort for Tampa as no Spartans registered double figures in kills. Danielle MacDonald and Melissa Vanderhall held team highs with six kills apiece. Sam Macks and freshman Eva Dupay each added five.

Gabriela Saade and Meghan Sherman split setting duties, and finished with 13 and 12 assists respectively. Sherman also added six digs.

Kaleigh Cunningham turned in a team-high 11 digs as MacDonald added five blocks. Macks contributed four blocks while Camille Hanks accounted for the lone solo block for Tampa.

The Spartans finished with a .263 hitting percentage while recording 30 kills and committing 10 errors. Nova hit just .010 with 26 kills and 25 errors. Tampa also held the advantage in digs, 42-31.

Tampa is back in action on Saturday as it hosts Barry at 4 p.m. UT will offer Live Stats and a video webcast through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also sign up for eScores to receive free text message alerts on UT Athletics.