SSC Champion Spartans Anchored at No. 5 in latest Poll
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Fresh off a weekend that saw the University of Tampa volleyball program clinch sole ownership of the 2011 Sunshine State Conference Championship, the Spartans remain anchored as the No. 5 program in the nation as per the American Volleyball Coaches Association National Division II poll.
The 28-1 UT squad swept their three matches last week to seal their seventh straight conference title and Head Coach Chris Catanach's 19th since taking over the program.
Tampa clinched co-ownership of the conference accolade with their three-set win over Florida Tech however moments later SSC rival Florida Southern College toppled streaking Eckerd College in 3-1 fashion to give Tampa sole ownership of the 2011 conference championship.
Former top dog's the University of Minnesota - Duluth Bulldogs dropped to the No. 2 spot after perennial volleyball powerhouse Concordia - St. Paul swept their second meeting of the year in three sets.
The Golden Bears move into the third place spot while the Washburn Lady Blues continue their streak of 18 wins straight into the No. 4 spot.
The Spartans look to finish the season strong as they meet Rollins College in their last regular season match. Tampa heads to Winter Park for the contest as the Tars host the No. 5 squad. The 7 p.m. match will have live stats made available through www.tampaspartans.com.
The latest ranking pushes the Tampa team to its 214th consecutive week of national recognition while the top five position gives UT its 25th week of being ranked in the top five.