 "Photo: File Photo")
Tampa’s volleyball program hosts Florida Southern Friday, a critical game in the race to the Sunshine State Conference title.
In the past, the rivalry has filled the stands of Martinez and both the team and the athletic department expect this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness themed match up to be no different.
“There are a lot of organizations in on this one,” associate athletic director Gil Swalls said. “Student Government president Andrew Learned told me he thinks we could get 2,000 people.”
On Sept. 22, 2007, Martinez bleachers were filled by 1,310 spectators to watch UT top Fla. Southern three sets to one.
The team that competed then barely resembles the squad that will take the court Friday, and head coach Chris Catanach hopes his freshmen are ready.
“The veterans shouldn’t be as affected as the sophomores and below. They’ll be a little bit rattled if we get a good crowd,” said Catanach. “Is this a year we’ll go a long way? I don’t know but we’re setting the foundation for the next couple years.”
A loss ends the sixth ranked team’s chance at the SSC title. Since there is no conference tournament, the Spartans need a win Friday and to stay perfect throughout the remainder of the season to tie the Moccasins for SSC champions.
“We’ve done that [tie] 17 times,” Catanach said, “this would be the 18th. It’s going to be tough to go undefeated.”
Despite the result of the game, both programs are making a difference by supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The event, dubbed Dig for the Cure, is making contributions to the cause by “pinking-out” the game. Many organizations from both inside and outside the campus community will be showing support.
“Student Government is helping us. We have some Greek organizations helping us. One group is painting the grass pink. One group is lining all the fences with pink banners,” said Swalls. “There will be a nice Busch Gardens thing when you walk in. We’re giving away two pairs of tickets for Howl-o-Scream. It’s just going to be a cool night.”
Bobby Winsler can be contacted at minaret.sports@gmail.com.
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