Spartans Pummel Panthers in Home-Opener

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 3 University of Tampa volleyball team began Sunshine State Conference play with a straight-set sweep of Florida Tech 3-0.

The Spartans improve to 8-1 with a 1-0 SSC tally while the visiting Panthers dip to 9-2 overall with a 0-1 mark in conference play.

Junior Meagan Burke showed dominance on both sides of the net, as the middle blocker grounded six kills at a scorching .556 attack percentage and also dazzled on defense with seven blocks. Fellow Junior Jackie Neff pummeled the Panthers for 10 kills at a torrid .615 clip.

Right side Marissa Lisenbee swung an errorless 7-for-16 while also blocking five Panther attacks. Outside hitters Berkley Whaley and Holly Reschke amassed eight and seven kills respectively while Whaley served up a pair of aces in the three set win.

Tampa took the premier stanza by a 25-19 score as Neff led the charge with four kills. Setter Kahley Patrick notched two service aces for the triumphant Spartans.

FIT hitter Charlie French totaled six kills in the second set despite the win for the UT squad. Jacksonville native Burke put forth a 3-for-4 effort as the team hit at a .406 clip in the 25-20 win.

Burke closed the third set with a trio of solo blocks while Neff grounded five kills in as many chances to maintain a perfect hitting percentage in the final frame of play. Tampa took the contest on a 25-17 win, averaging a .386 attack as a team while limiting the Panthers to a .141 showing.

The Spartans will welcome Barry University Saturday, Sept. 28th with a 4 p.m. matinee at the Martinez Athletic Center. Live stats in addition to a live video webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.tv.

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