Spartans Set to Host North Greenville University

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's lacrosse team is set to host the North Greenville University Crusaders on Saturday, March 3^rd at 1:00 p.m.

The Matchup: No. 3 University of Tampa (4-0) vs. North Greenville University (3-1) 

Date/Time: Saturday, March 3^rd at 1:00 p.m.

Location: Naimoli Family Intramural and Athletic Complex | Tampa, Fla.

Last Time Out: The Spartans defeated the No. 7 NYIT Bears by a final score of 10-9. Junior Andrew Kew led Tampa's offense with four goals and two assists for the Spartans, followed by Matt Vetter, and Jake Mosher McGraw each with two. UT's defensive efforts were led by senior Luke Posner who logged four ground balls and two caused turnovers. Freshman B.J. Borowski was in the cage for the Spartans, recording 11 saves on 20 shots. Due to the Spartans outstanding performance on the field and due to their perfect 4-0 record, the squad moved from No. 5 to No. 3 in the latest USILA coaches poll.

About the Spartans: Tampa finished last season 15-5 overall, undefeated in the Sunshine State Conference. Key returners for the Spartans include Andrew Kew, Jake Mosher McGraw, Bryan Wright, Luke Posner, Matt Vetter, and Jack Tyrrell.  

Kew, a USILA first-team All-American, All SSC first team selection, and a 2018 USILA Player of the Year Watch List recipient, returns as the Spartans main offensive threat. The Oakville, Ontario native led all of Division II last season with 86 goals, averaging 4.3 goals per game. In his 2018 campaign, the junior currently sits with 15 goals and four assists for the Spartans. Also, returning to attack for the Spartans is the sophomore duo of Mosher McGraw and Wright. All SSC second-team selection, Jake Mosher McGraw was second to Kew with 29 goals last season, including two during the national semifinal matchup. This season Mosher McGraw sits with six goals and five assists. Wright rounds out the Spartans three returning offensive weapons contributing 25 goals and 14 assists last season. Additionally, he was an all SSC freshman team selection. Currently, Wright is second on the team in goals with 10, he also has one assist.

Captain Luke Posner returns for UT for his senior campaign. The Madisonville, La, native was an All SSC second-team selection last season and led the Spartans in ground balls with 46. Additionally, he recorded 20 caused turnovers for UT. This year, Posner leads UT with six caused turnovers, and has nine ground balls for the Spartans. Junior midfielder Matt Vetter, was an SSC All-Championship Team selection last season. He is one of the most well rounded athletes for the Spartans, having recorded 22 goals, 10 assists, and 11 ground balls in 2017. Vetter has started his 2018 run picking up right where he left off, and currently has six goals and five assists for UT. Also at the midfield position, and the last key returner is junior Jack Tyrrell. Tyrell, an All SSC second-team selection stated 39 ground balls and caused 30 turnovers for the Spartans last season. Currently, Tyrell has seven ground balls and one caused turnover for the Spartans.

About the Crusaders: The Crusaders ended the 2017 season with an overall record of 9-9, 4-3 in the Conference Carolinas. The Crusaders are led offensively by #23 Austin Dixon and #30 Ethan Landreth who have 10 and nine goals respectively. NGU's assist leader is #31 Chris Carpenter who has logged six. The Crusaders use #14 Logan Bryant for faceoffs, and he has won 52-69. Bryant also leads the team in ground balls with 32. In the cage, North Greenville will use either #41 Aulston Marchant or #36 Braeden Dixon. These two keepers have six and 18 saves respectively.

Series History (Men's): This is the first time in program history that these two schools have faced each other.

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.