It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to call the women’s volleyball team the best sports team that the University of Tampa has put out so far this year. In the midst of one of their best starts in team history, this team has the looks of one that could win an SSC Championship as well as march deep into the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Led by a cadre of stars, including reigning SSC Player of the Year Danielle Selkridge, middle hitter Meagan Burke and rising libero Jen Scholtz, Coach Chris Catanach’s squad has posted an 11-2 record to start off the season, with multiple wins over ranked opponents, including No. 5 Central Missouri at the West Florida Invitational in Pensacola, as well as No. 21 Colorado Mines at the Colorado Premier Tournament in Denver, Colo.
However, these Lady Spartans have had their most impressive wins this past weekend, as they swept SSC conference foes Florida Southern and Saint Leo at home with identical 3-0 wins and improved their SSC record to a solid 4-0 start.
“We were gutty,” said Coach Catanach. “We gutted out wins and we struggled while we did it. If we had a bad match and lost, then it would have been a double whammy. I would like to see us playing better though.”
Against Florida Southern on Saturday, Selkridge put on a showcase displaying why she was named the SSC’s best player last season, while continuing her campaign to win the award for a second straight season. She had a team high nine kills along with fellow senior Jessica Yingling. Burke had four blocks, three of which were solo, to help limit the Mocs to a .153 attack in the three-set sweep.
“I think there were a lot of nerves this weekend with all the fans there for the big home opener,” said Burke. “I definitely think we are a lot better than we played this weekend.”
Sophomore Jackie Neff set a career high with seven kills while junior Holly Reschke had six. Setter Kahley Patrick also had a great outing, assisting on 29 attacks while finishing with a team high 14 digs, while Scholtz contributed 11 digs.
“I have played a lot of sports but Coach Catanach is the best coach I have ever had,” said Burke. I came in as athletic, but still a little raw, but he helped me improve a lot in just one year. He taught me things I didn’t even think i had to know about volleyball.”
Then Saint Leo came to the Martinez Sports Center the next night, and once again, these Spartans did not disappoint. Selkridge had another outstanding game, as she led the Spartan offense with a .591 attack percentage and tied Yingling with a team leading 14 kills. Burke, Scholtz and Patrick also had superb outings. Burke had eight kills with a .583 percentage, Scholtz had a team leading 19 digs while Patrick had a double double for a second consecutive night with 39 assists and 13 digs.
“I think we can go all the way,” said Patrick. “If we play as hard as we know we can as a team and we keep growing and peak at the right moment, than we can win it all.”
Junior Frances Cardenas also contributed in a big way with 10 digs. The Spartans swept their second straight match over an SSC rival, albeit one that is sliding in Saint Leo, who left Martinez with an 0-4 record in league play and only a 6-6 overall mark. Scholtz’s stellar defensive play led to a SSC Defensive Player of the Week award.
“Jackie Neff has stepped up for us and has been a stable presence,” said Catanach. “Meagan Burke is a day to day player because of her shoulder issue, but she has been solid. Jessica Yingling is why we are where we are at this point.”
As long as Catanach can keep these ladies on the right track, a second straight SSC Championship is definitely in reach, as this team is the class of the SSC so far. And if they capture that crown, another deep run into the Division II National Championships could end up in a second title for Catanach and this storied program.
Jordan Llanes can be reached at jordan.llanes@spartans.ut.edu