Tampa Men's Lacrosse is Set to Host the Florida Tech Panthers on Senior Night

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 13 University of Tampa men's lacrosse team will host the Florida Institute of Technology Panthers on Saturday, at 8 p.m. The meeting marks the seventh matchup between the schools, with Tampa having won all of the previous six. Prior to the start of the game, the University of Tampa men's lacrosse team will be honoring their eleven seniors. Come out to Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex early to show your support and gratitude. 

The Matchup: No.13 University of Tampa (10-4) vs. Florida Tech (6-5)

In the last meeting, on April 6, 2016, the University of Tampa Spartans beat the Florida Tech Panthers 12-6. Sophomore Andrew Kew led UT with four goals, followed by senior Jake Schmidt with three goals. On defense, senior Charlie Cummins led the Spartans by causing the Panthers to turn the ball over on four different occasions. Additionally, returning goal keeper A.J. Arnold had fourteen saves against the Panthers.

Date/Time: Saturday, April 15 at 8 p.m.

Last Time Out: Tampa fell to the No. 5 NYIT Bears 13-11. On offense, the Spartans were led by senior Conor Whipple with four goals and three assists, followed by Bryan Wright and Andrew Kew who had two goals each. Defensively, Charlie Cummins caused the Bears to turn the ball over three times. A.J. Arnold was at goal for the Spartans recording four saves on the night.

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 67 and 28 goals respectively. Whipple, a 2016 USILA second team All-American and 2016 Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year, is also first in team assists with 40 this season. The University of Tampa Spartans also return seniors Schmidt and Marty Heyn. Schmidt was a 2016 USILA third team All-American, and Heyn was a 2016 USILA honorable mention.

About the Panthers: The Panthers are currently 6-5 overall, 2-1 in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). The Panthers are led offensively by redshirt senior Nick Wynne with 30 goals and 10 assists, followed by sophomore Logan Sweeney with 19 goals and 5 assists. Defensively, the panthers are led by Addison Abramson who has recorded 18 caused turnovers and 37 ground balls on the season. Sophomore Daniel Flock returns for Florida Tech at goal keeper. Flock has recorded 124 saves on the season with an average save percentage of 55.4%.

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 four games, all to ranked opponents, the Spartans have dropped to No. 13.

Series History: Tampa takes the sweep, with a 6-0 record against the Panthers in the all-time series.

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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