In their first match of the 2007 season the defending national champions and top-ranked University of Tampa volleyball team already equaled their loss total from their championship run last year.

Granted the Spartans’ only lost one game last year, it was not the start to the season the team had hoped for. UT came back to sweep the next two matches of the Tampa Classic and improve to 2-1 in their first three games.

“We played very well in the first game against California Baptist, but we didn’t come out in the second game and we were never able to get it back,” Tampa coach Chris Catanach said about the opening match loss.

“I am happy about the way we came back though, dominating last night and again today,”( against Colorado-Colorado Spring) Catanach said. “There are still 27 regular season games left and we have a long way to go, but I am excited about this group.”

UT returns to action at home on Tuesday, Aug. 28 against Dowling college at 4 p.m. inside the Martinez Center.

Match Results August 23 2007 California Baptist 3 Tampa 1 August 24 2007 #23 Western Washington 0 Tampa 3 August 25 2007 Colorado-Colorado Springs 0 Tampa 3