Tampa Blasts FIT in Straight Sets

MELBOURNE, Fla. - Continuing its Sunshine State Conference streak, the No. 2 University of Tampa volleyball team swept Florida Tech in straight sets. The win gives the Spartans a 22-1 season record with a pristine 9-0 tally in conference matches while the hosting Panthers dip to 14-9 overall with a 4-5 mark in SSC play.

Tampa has won 29 straight conference matchups dating back to October 29th, 2011.

The Spartan offense was led by sophomore duo Marissa Lisenbee and Berkley Whaley, as the twosome grounded seven kills apiece. Outside hitter Holly Reschke swatted an errorless six kills while middle blockers Meagan Burke and Jessica Wagner notched five kills.

Setting tandem Gina Clarke and Kahley Patrick paced the offense to a .337 team hitting percentage while the latter Patrick spun a double-double with 18 assists and 11 digs.

The UT defense amassed 11 team blocks with Burke contributing six. Lisenbee and Wagner stopped four attacks each, limiting the Panters to a .081 hitting percentage.

Panthers outside hitter Charlie French led her squad with seven kills while libero Angie Lassman picked up nine digs.

The UT squad took the premier stanza by a 25-17 score thanks to a 4-for-8 performance from Reschke. Defensive duo Whaley and libero Jen Scholz notched five digs apiece while junior Burke blocked a pair of attacks.

Whaley pummeled the Panthers for seven kills in the second set, paving the way for a 25-13 victory. Setter Kahley Patrick kept the offensive tempo with eight assists in the second set.

Tampa carried its momentum into the third set, winning the match by a 25-13 final score. Junior Patrick served up a trio of aces while Burke blocked three Panther swings to round out the match.

The Spartans continue their road trip with a visit to Miami Shores, Fla. to face Barry University. The Saturday matchup is slated for a 4 p.m. start time with live stats being available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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