Spartans Set to Host Colorado Mesa University Mavericks
TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 14 University of Tampa men's lacrosse team will host the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks on Wednesday, at 8 p.m. This meeting marks the sixth matchup between the two schools.
The Matchup: No. 14 University of Tampa (6-3) vs. Colorado Mesa (8-1)
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 22 at 8 p.m.
Last Time Out: The Spartans out matched the Westinster College (Utah) Griffins by a score of 21-7. Tampa's Andew Kew scored six goals, including his 100th career goal, the fastest Spartan to reach this milestone and second overall. Senior Conor Whipple led the squad in assists with five and two goals for a seven point game. Charlie Cummins led the defense with six ground balls and five caused turnovers in the victory. Junior Sam Watts stayed strong in face-offs going 14-21 to spark the offense.
About the Spartans: The Spartans finished the 2016 season with an overall record of 15-3. After falling short in the semifinal, UT is hungry for another national championship title run.
This season the Spartans are led offensively by attackers Kew and Whipple with 40 and 16 goals respectively. Whipple, a 2016 USILA second team All-American and 2016 Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year, is also second in team assists with 8 this season. The University of Tampa Spartans also return seniors Jake Schmidt and Marty Heyn. Schmidt was a 2016 USILA third team All-American, and Heyn was a 2016 USILA honorable mention.
About the Mavericks: The Mavericks are currently standing with a record of 8-1. Colorado Mesa is part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). The Mavericks are led offensively by Senior, Steve Brandenburg with 31 goals and 14 assists. Defensively, Brady George leads the team with 18 ground balls and 17 caused turnovers. Their main face-off man, Michael Marino currently has a win percentage of .644.
Rankings: The University of Tampa men's lacrosse team was selected as the No. 4 squad in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association/Nike Preseason Coaches Poll. The Spartans hauled in 297 points after reaching the 2016 NCAA Division II Semifinals just a season ago. Taking the top spot is reigning national champions LeMoyne, as the Dolphins received all 18 first place votes. Runner up Limestone sits No. 2 while Merrimack garnered 322 points to pick up the No. 3 ranking. However, after losing on February 18, to the No. 17 Lindenwood Lions, and on February 25, to the No. 2 Limestone Saints, No.11 Belmont Abbey the Spartans have dropped to No. 14.
Series History: Colorado Mesa leads the series 3-2.
Tickets: Tickets for are $5 for adults, senior citizens and coaches. Children under 12 will be admitted free. UT students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid student ID.
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