Vanderhall Leads #1 Tampa to Top of SSC

TAMPA, Fla. - The number-one ranked University of Tampa volleyball team used a career effort by freshman Melissa Vanderhall to record a 3-0 victory over Nova Southeastern University to take sole possession of first place in the Sunshine State Conference. The Spartans are now 17-1 and 6-0 in the SSC as the Sharks fall to 16-5 and 6-1.

Tampa came out on fire, hitting .519 in the first game with 16 kills compared to just two errors. UT held Nova to a .028 clip in the first game as the Sharks were held to a .107 hitting percentage for the match. The Spartans concluded the night with a .375 mark.

The Spartans took the victory by winning the games 30-17, 30-19, 30-25.

Vanderhall enjoyed career highs of 13 kills and 15 digs as she also notched a .385 hitting percentage. Erin Clark added 13 kills on 15 attacks as she finished with a .857 attack percentage, which ranks second in UT history for a three-game match. Alisha Green also recorded double figures with 10 kills.

Margeaux Sinibaldi was once again the catalyst for Tampa's defense, finishing with a team-high 19 digs. Katelen Dixon was also in double figures as she added 13. The Spartan defense also tallied seven blocks, led by three apiece by Clark and Danielle MacDonald.

The Spartans will be back in action tomorrow as they host Lynn in another critical SSC matchup. The match is slated to begin at 4 p.m.