TAMPA, Fla. — The top-ranked University of Tampa volleyball team (17-0, 9-0 SSC) defeated Florida Southern College (10-7, 4-5 SSC) in straight sets, 25-13, 25-21, 25-16, at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. Despite the loss, the Moccasins recorded five service aces, while Tampa maintained its unbeaten record.
The first set began with Florida Southern starting strong, as junior
Elizabeth McDonald and freshman
Chloe Moreland each contributed kills to narrow the score to 8-6 after an early deficit. Senior
Morgan Word helped sustain momentum with a service ace and a key kill, helping the team close the gap to 12-9. Freshman
Payton Nazzari added another service ace, keeping the Mocs within reach at 14-10.
Despite these efforts, the Spartans capitalized on several attack errors and executed a series of successful plays, particularly from Nathaly Perez and Connor Rahn, to extend their lead. Florida Southern's attempts to rally were challenged by consistent offensive pressure from Tampa, who closed the first set with a 25-13 advantage.
FSC started the second set with a strong offensive push, highlighted by a series of kills from Word and a service ace by sophomore
Nako Sasaki. This early drive allowed the Mocs to take a 7-2 lead. Despite a mid-set surge by the Spartans, which included a service ace and multiple kills, Florida Southern maintained momentum with key plays from freshman
Layla Visser and continued contributions by Word.
As the set progressed, the teams exchanged points, keeping the score tightly contested. The Mocs managed to tie the score at 18-18 with another kill by Word, but Tampa capitalized on a series of errors from Florida Southern to regain control. Although sophomore
Mallory Baruch added a late kill, the Spartans closed the set with a 25-21 advantage after a final error by Visser.
The third set began with a notable shift as Tampa quickly gained a 3-0 lead, capitalizing on an early kill and errors from FSC. The Moccasins responded with a block by Baruch, cutting the deficit to 5-3. However, Tampa extended its lead with consistent scoring, including multiple kills from Perez and Rahn.
Florida Southern managed to keep the match competitive with key plays, such as sophomore
Bali Coles contributing with timely kills. Word added a service ace, narrowing the gap to 21-15. Despite these efforts, Tampa maintained its advantage, ultimately closing the set with a 25-16 victory, propelled by a final kill from Rahn.
Word led the team with seven kills and added two aces, contributing significantly to the team's total of nine points. Freshman
Brielle Mullen facilitated the offense with 11 assists while also collecting seven digs on the defensive end. Sasaki anchored the defense with 12 digs and served one ace, effectively supporting the back row. Junior
Tori Borton contributed six assists and four digs, providing additional support in both playmaking and defense.
Perez was a standout for UT, recording 16 kills over three sets with a hitting percentage of .533, contributing 16.5 points. Rahn also made a significant impact, delivering 12 kills with a .357 hitting percentage and adding 12.5 points. Kayla Dondero facilitated the team's offense with 21 assists and supported with seven digs. Laney Perdue was efficient in her limited attempts, hitting 1.000 with one kill from one attempt.
The next challenge for the Moccasins will take them on the road to face Florida Tech at the Charles and Ruth Clemente Center in Melbourne, Fla. on October 24. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m.
