FORT LAUDERDALE – The Nova Southeastern University volleyball team (14-8, 5-4 SSC) fell 3-0 to the No. 1 ranked Tampa Spartans (17-3, 7-0 SSC) in a Sunshine State Conference matchup on Friday night at the NSU Arena at the Don Taft University. The Sharks fell in three straight sets 25-17, 25-18, 25-11.
 
"After a gritty match on Tuesday, it's tough to face a team like Tampa and not see the same fight," head coach Jenn King said. "We need to clean up our errors moving forward so we can take advantage of the opportunities given to us. Despite the loss, it was outstanding to have so many local clubs attending the game along with the Macaroni Club! I can't wait to see them at our next home game on October 30!"
 
With over 650 in attendance, the Sharks took the court on Friday night against a powerhouse Spartan team with enthusiastic vigor, but were soon deflated by Tampa's high octane offense. The Spartans came out in the opening set and hit a match-high .483 as a team. Although the Sharks stayed close through the first 10 points, UT went on to take set one 25-17.
 
In the second set, NSU managed to grab the lead for the first time in the match and led 12-11 at one point. However, Tampa regrouped and outscored the Sharks 14-6 down the stretch to take a 2-0 lead in the match. After the extended break, Tampa came out soaring offensively and hit a .444 clip in the final set and close out the match for the 3-0 conference win over NSU.
 
Senior Dana Holger (Lino Lakes, Minn.) was the lone Shark to pick up double-digits against Tampa recording a team-high 11 kills.
 
Not only did Tampa hit with high efficiency throughout the match hitting .340 as a team, they dominated the net as well recording 10 total blocks. They were led by Marissa Lisenbee with 13 kills, who also hit a blistering .458 in the match.
 
The Sharks will return to action on Tuesday, Oct. 27 when they travel to Miami Shores, Fla. to face the Barry Buccaneers. NSU defeated the Bucs 3-2 earlier in the season, but Barry will be fresh off a conference win over highly touted Florida Southern on Friday night.