UT, who received one first-place vote, follows three-time defending national champion Concordia University of St. Paul, who received 29 first-place votes. Wayne State (Neb.), Southwest Minnesota State and Washburn round out the top five.
Tampa is joined by NCAA South Region opponent West Florida in the top-25, with the Argonauts holding down the No. 20 spot. Sunshine State Conference foes Lynn, Barry and Florida Southern each received votes.
Tampa, with an overall record of 24-3, is coming off a perfect 3-0 week where it swept Saint Leo at home and Florida Tech and Lynn on the road. Six of UT's last seven victories have resulted in three-set sweeps with the other being a 3-1 victory over Rollins.
The lone SSC school in the top-25, the Spartans have played eight matches versus teams that appear in this week's top-25. UT is 1-1 versus No. 1 Concordia and also suffered a loss to No. 4 Southwest Minnesota State. Spartan victories over nationally ranked opponents include No. 20 West Florida (twice), No. 10 Nebraska-Kearney, No. 11 Lewis and No. 13 Grand Valley State.
The 2006 national champions have now been represented in 201 consecutive polls, marking the nation's second longest active streak (Central Missouri). Head coach Chris Catanach's squad is no stranger to the top of the polls, spending a total of 23 weeks at No. 1. UT previously held the top spot in the 2007 preseason poll and has been in the top-10 every week since 2004.
The Spartans have a pair of home matches on its plate for this week, which will conclude the regular season. Tampa welcomes Nova Southeastern on Friday at 7 p.m., followed by Barry on Saturday at 4 p.m. The match versus Barry will also serve as senior day for the five UT players who will be playing their final regular season matches at the Bob Martinez Sports Center.
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