As the Spartan volleyball team enters conference play, expectations stay the same for the team.
The University of Tampa is currently ranked fifth in the nation for Division II schools, posting a 3-1 conference record and an overall record of 11-3.
After starting conference play with a win against Eckerd, the Spartans spiked their way to a 3-0 victory over conference foe Florida Southern.
In the first set, senior Melissa Vanderhall had five kills, along with Kaleigh Cunningham and Jessica Yingling adding four kills a piece.
The second set turned out victoriously for the Spartans, winning the set 25-19.
To finish the game for the Spartans, Sam Macks had six kills to lead the team with a third set victory and a match win.
Coming off an impressive performance against Florida Southern, UT’s next opponent turned sour. After climbing the rankings to become the top ranked team in the nation, the Spartans fell to conference opponent Rollins in three sets on Sept. 25.
It was the first time since 1995 the Spartan volleyball team lost to Rollins College.
The team found themselves trailing in every set. Although there were constant battles to cut the lead, the Spartans could not find their groove.
Jessica Yingling led the team with 11 kills while senior Sarah Mendoza recorded 15 digs and 16 kills.
As the Spartans start conference play, expectations stay the same for Coach Chris Catanach.
“Our goal is to win another SSC championship. We have a great tradition here at UT and we expect nothing different,” said Coach Catanach.
Spartan volleyball finished the 2009 season with a 15-1 Sunshine State Conference record while posting an impressive 31-3 overall record.
Knowing that winning the conference is important, Coach Catanach realizes that the upcoming game with Lynn on Oct.1 is a key game in the season.
“Lynn already has a couple conference loses this season, but they have a good team. This game is no doubt important for us,” said Coach Catanach.
Lynn had a pre-season ranking of third in the Sunshine State Conference poll.
A win against conference rivals and 25th nationally ranked Saint Leo on Sept. 28 may help the Spartans climb back up in the national rankings. UT defeated the Saint Leo Lions in three sets, 25-22, 25-15 and 25-22.
Vanderhall and Yingling once again led the Spartans to the victory, both with 11 kills on the night. Vanderhall also added to her impressive stats with 15 digs. Julie Howlett, a junior, was second for UT with 12 digs versus Saint Leo. Saint Leo fell to 8-6 with the loss.
With the Spartans being nationally ranked every year, preparation keeps the women working hard.
Coach Catanach enjoys the high national ranking that UT touts.
“It’s a good thing; it keeps the girls working hard and focused on our goals as a team. We find ourselves with a target on our back, but I enjoy it,” stated Coach Catanach.
The aforementioned game versus Lynn on Oct. 1 will be the next time UT will be in action.
Michael Paonessa can be reached at mpaonessa@spartans.ut.edu.