The Spartans 19-8 win over Limestone Advances them to the National Championship

TAMPA, FL. – The No.1 seed University of Tampa Spartans men's lacrosse thrash the No.2 seed Limestone University to advance to the NCAA Championship for the first time in program history.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: No. 1 Tampa 19, No. 2 Limestone 8

Records: Tampa Spartans (20-0), Limestone Saints (17-3)

Location: Naimoli Family Athletic Complex || Tampa, FL

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST QUARTER

Tampa would waste no time making a statement in this game, as the Spartans leading scorer on the season Colin White would do what he does best. Limestone would try to get something going before the Spartans would force a turnover, as a quick transition would turn into a Harry Kilkowski goal. The Spartans would keep the pressure on the Saints, causing turnovers and defending their net well. As their hard work would pay off twice with two quick goals from Daniel Fitzpatrick and Matthew Beddow from a faceoff win, the Spartans would put two more goals on the board as they showed their dominance early on in this game.

13:48 - Colin White, assisted by Owen Miller

11:44 - Harry Kilkowsi, unassisted

7:44 - Daniel Fitzpatrick, assisted by Harry Kilkowski

7:32 - Matthew Beddow, unassisted

6:13 - Charlie Bolesh, unassisted

0:08 - Colin White, assisted by Cole Willard

Score: 6-0 Tampa

SECOND QUARTER

The Spartans would not miss a beat going into the second quarter, as Cole Willard would score a great solo goal to become the sixth different player to score on the day. Limestone would finally get themselves on the board with 7:11 remaining in the half, the Spartans would not let the Saints gain any momentum from this. 11 seconds later after a Hunter Turner faceoff win would lead to a Kilkowski goal, as Nick Papa would increase the lead to eight not long after that. A pair of Willard goals would send the Spartans into halftime up 10. 

12:15 - Cole Willard, unassisted

7:00 - Harry Kilkowski, assisted by Matthew Beddow

6:12 - Nick Papa, unassisted

4:43 - Cole Willard, unassisted

1:34 - Cole Willard, unassisted

Score: 11-1 Tampa

THIRD QUARTER

It would be much of the same for the Spartans coming out to begin the second half, not giving Limestone a sliver of hope to mount a comeback. Another Saints turnover would end with the Spartans celebrating at the other end, as Kellen Hoke would find Papa. Limestone would get past an impressive Blake Ulmer for the second time, that would be the last time they would find success for the remainder of the quarter. The Spartans would continue to keep their foot on the gas, not letting up as they would shut the door on the Saints championship hopes as they would head into the final quarter up 15.

12:33 - Nick Papa, assisted by Kellen Hoke

10:38 - Harry Kilkowski, unassisted

6:27 - Cole Willard, unassisted

3:25 - Charlie Bolesh, unassisted

2:02 - Luke McAnaney, unassisted

00:12 - Nick Papa, unassisted

Score: 17-2 Tampa

FOURTH QUARTER

The fourth is where Limestone would find some success, as the game would get more heated and physical. The Spartans would find themselves on the wrong side of the penalties through the quarter, leading the Saints to find ways to put the ball in the back of the net. This would not be enough to erase the deficit, as two more goals would send Tampa to the promised land for the first time in program history.

5:17 - Daniel Fitzpatrick, unassisted

1:02 - Owen Miller, unassisted

Score: 19-8 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Ulmer's 14 saves would put him over 400 career saves

• Willard would record a season high in goals today with 4

• Beddow would record his 13th multiple caused turnover game this season

• The Spartans would have 9 different scorers 

BEYOND THE BOX:

• The Spartans would go 19 for 21 in clears today

• Tampa would outshoot the Bears 53-37

• The Spartans win today gives them the most wins in a season in program history with 20 wins

UP NEXT: The Spartans will travel to East Hartford, Connecticut for the NCAA Championship as they will take on the opposing No.1 seed Mercy University. On Sunday May 29th, at 4:00 PM.

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