Tampa Outlasts West Florida to Advance

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa advances with a four-set victory over West Florida in the NCAA South Region Semifinals. Tampa will play Barry tomorrow at 7 PM.

Final Score: No. 1 Tampa 3 (1: 25–16, 2: 21–25, 3: 25–21, 4: 26–24), No. 4 West Florida 1

Records: No. 1 Tampa (30-0, 20-0 SSC), West Florida (28-6, 18-2 GSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletic Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

First Set: Tampa opened the match with poise, immediately establishing an efficient rhythm on offense. The Spartans hit .278 in the frame with 17 kills while pressuring the Argonauts into five attack errors. A balanced effort across the front line allowed Tampa to maintain steady control throughout the set, pulling away late to secure the opener.  | Score: 25-16 Tampa

Second Set: West Florida responded with its strongest push of the match, capitalizing on Tampa's three attack errors. The Argonauts found their rhythm offensively with 17 kills and clean ball control, edging ahead in the final points to hand Tampa its first dropped set of the postseason. | Score 21-25 West Florida 

Third Set: The third frame featured the tightest margin of the night, with seven ties and extended back-and-forth play. Tampa created separation midway through the set behind timely kills and improved defensive coverage. Despite West Florida's .325 hitting percentage, the Spartans stayed composed and closed the frame behind late swings from their pin hitters.  | Score 25-21 Tampa

Fourth Set: The fourth set became a postseason battle, marked by eight ties and pressure moments on both sides. Tampa surged ahead 21–17 before West Florida mounted a late comeback to even the score at 23–23. A composed final sequence, capped by a pair of blocks from Jenna Davis and Nathaly Perez, pushed Tampa over the finish line and secured the match. | Score 26-24 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Tampa outhit West Florida .256 to .208 for the match.
• Perez and Davis combined for multiple late-set blocks that sealed the win.
• Connor Rahn tallied 22 kills while hitting .360.
• Kayla Dondero and Jenna Glaudel directed the offense with 26 and 18 assists, respectively.
• Tampa recorded 43 digs, anchored by a standout performance from the back row.