The volleyball program at The University of Tampa usually sits on top of the Sunshine State Conference. This week, the team found itself chasing its way back to the No. 1 spot.
As of Nov. 3, the Spartans (24-2, 11-1 SSC) had won ten straight matches by sweep – 30 consecutive sets – since the Oct. 3 home upset loss to Saint Leo.
Coach Chris Catanach believes a fire was lit under his team following the loss, and they have been well focused from match to match.
“Last year and the year before, we were ahead of everybody,” Catanach said. “But now we’re down one to Saint Leo, plus we had two players out last week.
We haven’t been able to get complacent, so focus hasn’t been a problem.”
“The loss to Saint Leo in my mind was good for us,” said junior outside hitter Kaleigh Cunningham. “We played really well against them, but it showed us where we need to be and where we can be.”
The rematch with Saint Leo was to be played Wednesday on the Lions’ home court. A Saint Leo win would assure them their first conference championship.
In preparation for the match, Catanach told his players to be aggressive and make plays they haven’t had to make before.
“This is our first chance in a long time to play to win something rather than defend it,” Catanach said. “So now it’s a different mentality. We have to take some risks, and if we come up losing, we have nothing to be sad about.”
“We have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” said sophomore libero Julie Howlett. “It’s much more fun playing this way.”
Even if the conference championship was not to pan out, a regional title is still a possibility. UT would still get into the NCAA Tournament and have a shot at redemption.
“Our ultimate goal is to win the regional championship,” Catanach said. “The conference would be nice, but we really want to win the regionals.”
The Spartans may have the depth to reach their goals.
Cunningham and Melissa Vanderhall have each been named SSC Offensive Player of the Week twice this season, Cunningham’s awards coming in the last two weeks.
Howlett has received one Defensive Player of the Week honor.
Brenton Burkett can be reached at bburkett@ut.edu.