Spartans Reverse Sweep Lynn, Clinch SSC Title

BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Spartans come from behind to beat Lynn, and clinch 30th SSC title.

Final Score: No. 1 Tampa 3 (1: 18-25, 2: 23-25, 3: 25-23, 4: 25-18, 5: 15-10), No. 19 Lynn 2

Records: No. 1 Tampa (25-0, 17-0 SSC), No. 19 Lynn (19-9, 9-9 SSC)

Location: de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center | Boca Raton, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

First Set: The beginning of the match set the stage for what would be an entertaining match as the teams would tie the score 14 times with both hitting efficiently and avoiding mistakes. There would also be five lead changes in the set, with one of those coming by way of consecutive kills by Jenna Davis to move Tampa ahead. However, with the score tied at 16, Lynn would make the decisive run by scoring six straight points. This would help the Fighting Knights secure a set one victory. | Score: 18-25 Lynn

Second Set: The second set would follow the script of the first, but a main difference is that Tampa notched five aces in the first half of the set with Kayla Dondero and Tess Schrenger logging two each and Ana Rivera recording the other as Tampa would build their lead to 15-11. Tampa would continue to lead deep into the set, but Lynn's 18 kills with a .467 hitting percentage would propel them to a 2-0 lead in the match. | Score 23-25 Lynn

Third Set: Davis would give the Spartans a jolt early in the third set with two kills and a solo block to give Tampa an early 4-2 lead. Lynn would battle and lead most of the set, but Tampa would keep it close the whole way. Trailing 20-18, the Spartans would take five consecutive points sparked by a pair of huge kills from Mak Carter to jump into a 23-20 lead. Carter and Schrenger would combine for the last six Tampa points as the Spartans managed to win the must-win set. | Score 25-23 Tampa

Fourth Set: Tampa would once again start the set strong, this time sparked by a quartet of kills from Schrenger to give Tampa a 9-5 advantage. This time, Tampa would take this start and extend their advantage to 21-14 late in the set. Tampa would take this lead and go on to force a fifth set for the second consecutive match. | Score: 25-18 Tampa

Fifth Set: Lynn would bounce back well to force a stalemate through the first 16 points of the final set. However, Tampa would step on the gas at this point and put up five straight points to create the necessary separation to take home their second five set comeback win in two days.  | Score: 15-10 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Schrenger led the Spartans with 19 kills.
• Connor Rahn recorded a double-double with 18 kills and 13 digs.
• The Spartans recorded a season high 11 service aces.
• 3 Spartans recorded multiple aces (Carter, Dondero, and Schrenger).
• Jenna Glaudel and Dondero each recorded 20 assists on the match.
• Rivera led Tampa with 19 digs.
• Rahn and Schrenger combine to score Tampa's last 10 points in the fifth set.
• The Spartans win back-to-back five set matches for the first time since 2017