Spartans Set Sailfish in a 3-0 Sweep

TAMPA, Fla. - In straight-set fashion, the No. 3 University of Tampa volleyball team defeated visiting Palm Beach Atlantic University 3-0. The Spartans improve to 10-1 on the season while the Sailfish drop to 10-3.

The Tampa defense took charge as the team totaled 11 blocks while libero Frances Cardenas led with a career-high 23 digs in the contest. Reigning Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Week Meagan Burke continued her strong 2013 campaign with seven each of blocks and kills, swinging at a sizzling .500 clip.

Sophomore Marissa Lisenbee mirrored with seven kills to her credit to go along with five blocks. Outside hitter Holly Reschke tallied a game-high 13 kills for the UT squad at a .478 hitting percentage. Setter Kahley Patrick spun 21 assists to go along with eight digs to tempo the Spartan team.

Sailfish middle blocker Brytney Annis amassed five blocks while outside hitter Faith Rohn smacked nine kills for PBA. Setter Becca Acevedo led all players with 25 assists despite the loss.

Tampa took the first set 25-15 as Reschke and Burke each grounded four kills. Senior Cardenas dug out eight attacks in the first set of play as the Spartan defense limited the Sailfish to a .000 hitting margin.

The second set was led by sophomore Berkley Whaley with five kills in six swings. Senior Reschke put fourth another errorless four-kill effort while Cardenas nearly matched her first set dig total with seven. UT took the second stanza 25-14.

The Spartans ended the match with a final set score of 25-19 as libero Cardenas kept stifling the Sailfish offense with another eight digs.

Tampa will head to St. Leo, Fla. to face conference foe Saint Leo University in a Friday night match. Live stats will be made available for the 7 p.m. contest through www.tampaspartans.tv.

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