WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The University of Tampa, ranked No. 2 in the AVCA top-25, defeated the Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball team in four sets, 25-21, 27-29, 25-23, 25-21, on Friday at Rubin Arena. The visiting team capitalized on a strong defensive showing with 89 digs, overcoming a spirited effort from the Sailfish, who claimed the second set after a dramatic 29-27 battle. Both teams recorded eight service aces, but the Spartans' efficiency at the net proved decisive.
Grace Reynolds led the team with 45 assists and added 16 digs, making a significant impact running the offense and on defense.
Kaley Board contributed 15 kills and accumulated a total of 17 points, showcasing her offensive contributions on the court.
Maggie Patterson recorded 21 digs over four games, anchoring the defensive efforts as libero.
Harper Stokes finished with 10 kills and an efficient .409 hitting percentage. Smith added 10 kills, hitting .360 from the outside.
"Another great volleyball match tonight from our team. Grace ran great offense with Kelsey, Harper, Rachel and Kaley all being terminal for us at different time. We did a really good job putting pressure on Tampa as servers. Only a few missed opportunities for us, but that is what you want when you're in the match against the top teams in the country. We loved having student life and Family Weekend in a great crowd environment. We are looking forward to another opportunity to compete tomorrow! See everyone back in Rubin at 4!"
PBA opened the first set with momentum, as
Kelsey Rogers scored the initial point on a kill assisted by Reynolds. The team maintained a narrow advantage early on, with contributions from Stokes and Board, establishing a 4-3 lead. Despite a tightly contested sequence that saw the score tied multiple times, the 'Fish regained control at 12-10 through a series of kills from Rogers and Board, with Reynolds providing key assists.
As the set continued, the 'Fish extended their lead to 16-11, showcasing effective offensive plays and capitalizing on a service ace by Board. However, UTampa responded with a series of points to close the gap, eventually overtaking the Sailfish at 21-20. Despite a late kill by Rogers tying it at 21, the Spartans secured the final points, ending the set with a 25-21 victory.
The 'Fish initiated the second set with a strong sequence, capitalizing on multiple attack errors from UTampa to quickly establish a 5-0 lead, highlighted by a block from Rogers. The Spartans responded with a series of points, narrowing the gap to 5-4, but the Sailfish maintained their edge, with Board and Reynolds contributing critical kills to secure a 15-12 advantage midway through the set.
As the set advanced, the Sailfish sustained their momentum, extending their lead to 22-19 with impactful plays from Stokes and
Sofia Augusto. Despite a late rally from the Spartans that brought the score to a tense 24-24 tie, the 'Fish's defense held firm, with a decisive block from Board and Rogers helping to regain the lead.
Sydney Corbett's kill and a service ace from Patterson ultimately sealed the set for the 'Fish at 29-27, closing with a narrow victory.
The third set opened with the 'Fish making impactful plays, highlighted by Rogers' early kill assisted by Reynolds. Throughout the set, Reynolds facilitated several key plays, setting up kills for Board and
Rachel Smith, maintaining a tight contest with UTampa. Despite this, the Spartans' Connor Rahn and Jenna Glaudel orchestrated a series of successful attacks that temporarily shifted momentum in their favor.
As the set progressed, the 'Fish continued to counter effectively, with Augusto and Stokes contributing crucial points.
Lexi Berry provided a significant boost with consecutive service aces, leveling the score at 21-21. However, the Spartans managed to edge ahead in the closing moments, with Maddie Sofarelli's final kill sealing the set at 25-23 in favor of the visitors.
The fourth set commenced with the 'Fish establishing early momentum through consecutive service aces by Reynolds, creating a 2-0 lead. Board further contributed with multiple kills, keeping the team competitive against UTampa. Despite a steady back-and-forth, the 'Fish faced a service error that allowed the visitors to tie the score at 5-5.
As the set progressed, Corbett and Augusto capitalized on opponent errors, briefly lifting the 'Fish to a 9-7 lead. However, the Spartans responded with a sequence of points, capitalizing on attack errors by the 'Fish to reclaim the lead at 12-9. Smith and Stokes delivered key kills, narrowing the gap to 18-16.
In the closing stages, the 'Fish's effort to regain control was met with resistance as the Spartans, holding the prestigious No. 2 rank, continued to capitalize on errors. Despite Smith's contribution of additional kills, UTampa extended their advantage, securing the set with a final score of 25-21, concluding the match.
PBA looks to bounce back tomorrow against Florida Southern. The match at Rubin Arena starts at 4 p.m.
