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UT Volleyball Team Rallies For Victory

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A Tribune staff, wire report

Published: November 17, 2007

TAMPA - The University of Tampa overcame a two-game deficit to defeat Lynn University in a grueling NCAA South Region match Friday night at the Bob Martinez Sports Complex, 28-30, 30-32, 30-20, 30-25, 15-11.

The Spartans (30-2), the region's No. 1 seed and defending Division II national champions, got help from an unexpected source to successfully keep their hopes and season alive for at least one more day.

UT junior outside hitter Annalea Warren came off the bench to record a career-high 16 kills, giving the Spartans a lift in the nick of time.

"We need someone to step up, and Annalea was that player tonight," Spartans coach Chris Catanach said.

Warren had five kills in Game 3 and, along with17 assists, helped get the Spartans started in the right direction.

UT then maintained its momentum and, with the offensive help of Katelen Dixon (18 kills) and Erin Clark (16 kills), also took Game 4 by the slimmest of margins (5 points).

In Game 5, the Spartans pulled everything together and completed the comeback, finally shutting the door on the season for Lynn (22-12).

"We've been in this situation before," Clark said. "We tried to focus on the things we wanted to do.

"Hopefully we can carry this momentum into the next game."

The Spartans will face Florida Southern tonight at 7 in the South Region final for the chance to advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

Jeff Jones

USF ADVANCES: South Florida swept Villanova out of the Big East Tournament with a 30-25, 32-30, 30-21 win in Milwaukee.

The Bulls found attackers all over the floor, outhit Villanova .374 to .192, and dominated the Wildcats at the net with a 9.5-3.0 blocking advantage.

The Bulls were led by sophomore Marcela Gurgel and senior Kristina Fabris, who each had 16 kills.

Kuni Leads Spartans To NCAA Quarterfinals
COLUMBUS, Ga. - The University of Tampa women's team (18-2-2) advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship with a 2-0 win over Montevallo (15-8) on Friday.

Shelby Kuni made history with her 14th-minute goal off a cross from Courtney Evans. The goal was her 13th of the season and the 52nd of her career, making her Tampa's all-time leader in goals.

Ashley Flateland added to the Spartans' lead in the 26th minute with her fifth goal of the season off a corner kick by Evans.

FSU 3, KENNESAW ST. 0: The Seminoles opened the NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament in Tallahassee with a victory over Kennesaw State.

Freshman Sanna Talonen accounted for all of the Noles' goals with a hat trick in the first half.

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