Tampa Set to Open Regional Title Defense as South Region Host

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa volleyball team will host the eight-team NCAA Division II Volleyball South Regional beginning Thursday, with hopes of capturing its fourth straight regional crown.

The Spartans will play the fourth match on Thursday, meeting the champions and automatic bid from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Clark Atlanta University. Tampa enters with a 27-3 overall record and winners of 10 straight matches. The Panthers are 24-18 and have won six of their last seven contests.

Two-time reigning Sunshine State Conference and South Region Player of the Year Danielle Selkridge leads the Spartans as the senior is the nation's leader with a .503 hitting percentage. Outside hitters Holly Reschke and Jessica Yingling bring a total of seven years of NCAA Tournament experience while middle hitter Meagan Burke is among national leaders in hitting percentage. Kahley Patrick is an all-conference and all-region setter who looks to set up the talented and experienced group of Spartan hitters.

Clark Atlanta is led by Ashley Brooks, who leads the Panthers with 303 kills. The balanced attack also includes Danica Lawrence (258), Chanel Trice (234) and Cori Smith (214). Tyneisha Spears leads the Panthers on defense, tallying a team-high 485 digs, or 3.73 per set. The Spartans and Panthers have three common opponents, including Lynn, Valdosta State and Florida Southern. CAU is 0-3 versus those teams as the Spartans are 5-0 against the trio.

Tampa is 39-13 all-time in the NCAA South Regional, including a nine-match winning streak where UT has only dropped two sets. The Spartans are also 4-0 against the SIAC in the regional. The Spartans and Panthers will be meeting for the first time in their respective histories.

The first day of play will begin with a 12 noon matchup between No. 3 Palm Beach Atlantic and No. 6 Rollins, followed by No. 2 West Florida and No. 7 Christian Brothers at 2:30 p.m., and No. 4 Eckerd and No. 5 Florida Southern at 5 p.m.

All NCAA South Region matches will be streamed through TampaSpartans.tv, as the host will also offer free live stats for all matches. Links are available through the NCAA South Regional Web page.

Fans may purchase tickets at the gate for $10 (adults), and $6 (students and senior citizens). Children under 12 will be admitted free. UT faculty/staff and students will also be admitted free with a valid Spartan ID card courtesy of student government. Visitor parking is available in the parking garage north of the Martinez Center.

Click here for the official Web page of the NCAA South Regional

MATCH TIMES
Thursday, November 29, 2012
No. 3 Palm Beach Atlantic vs. No. 6 Rollins - 12 p.m.
No. 2 West Florida vs. No. 7 Christian Brothers - 2:30 p.m.
No. 4 Eckerd vs. No. 5 Florida Southern - 5 p.m.
No. 1 Tampa vs. No. 8 Clark Atlanta - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 30, 2012
Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 - 4:30 p.m.
Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 - 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 1, 2012
Winner of Semifinal 1 vs. Winner of Semifinal 2 - 7 p.m.