No. 5 Spartans Defeat No. 13 Mavericks at Home

TAMPA, Fla. – The No.5 ranked University of Tampa Spartans men's lacrosse team wins high emotional battle at home.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: No. 5 Tampa 19, No.13 Colorado Mesa 11

Records: Tampa Spartans (7-1), Colorado Mesa Mavericks (7-2)

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

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST QUARTER

The first quarter would open with veteran Owen Miller opening the scoring about two minutes into the matchup, sparking the Spartan offense. The Mavericks would find an answer and tie the game at one four minutes later. The Mavericks would score again two minutes later to gain a one-goal lead. Miller would find Jackson Bashaw in front of the net to tie the matchup before Daniel Fitzpatrick netted one of his own to put Tampa back in the lead. The quarter would remain scoreless for the last six minutes due to great defensive play from both teams. The Spartans would head into the second 15 minutes with a one-goal lead.

13:56 – Owen Miller, unassisted

07:18 – Jackson Bashaw, assisted by Owen Miller

06:08 – Daniel Fitzpatrick, unassisted

Score: 3-2 Tampa

SECOND QUARTER

The second quarter would begin with Canyon Birch scoring a goal mid-air to build the Spartan lead to two goals. The Spartans would build their lead to three goals after Harry Kilkowski connected with Luke McAnaney in front of the net. Kilkowski turned around and introduced himself to the Mavericks' netminder, causing the Mavericks to call a timeout. Charlie Bolesh built the Spartan lead to five goals with a hard shot but, the Mavericks answered right back. Trejan Cannon backed the Spartan defense up in the first half, with four caused turnovers disrupting the Mavericks' offense. The Tampa offense netted a couple of late goals, 20 seconds apart before Colorado Mesa got one back. Birch would finish off his hat trick and the Spartans would head into the half with a six-goal lead.  

12:57 – Canyon Birch, unassisted

10:56 – Luke McAnaney, assisted by Harry Kilkowski

09:09 – Harry Kilkowski, unassisted

06:59 – Charlie Bolesh, unassisted

03:22 – Canyon Birch, assisted by Daniel Fitzpatrick

03:02 – Daniel Fitzpatrick, unassisted

01:20 – Canyon Birch, assisted by Owen Miller

00:08 – Canyon Birch, unassisted

Score: 11-4 Tampa

THIRD QUARTER

The second half would open with McAnaney capitalizing off a pass from Birch 20 seconds into the quarter. Miller continued to shine as the Spartans built their lead to nine goals early. Alex Poma won a face-off and ran it down the middle to set up McAnaney's second goal of the matchup. McAnaney turned right around and finished off his hat-trick to put Tampa up by 11. The Mavericks got three back with just over six minutes left in the quarter, cutting the Spartan lead to eight, and sparking their sideline. Freshman Bashaw netted his second of the night, bringing the Spartans back to life.

14:41 – Luke McAnaney, assisted by Canyon Birch

13:09 – Owen Miller, unassisted

12:37 – Gavin Bomstad, unassisted

12:26 – Luke McAnaney, assisted by Hunter Turner

10:19 – Luke McAnaney, unassisted

04:12 – Jackson Bashaw, assisted by Daniel Fitzpatrick

Score: 17-9 Tampa

FOURTH QUARTER

Birch continued his excellent performance, netting two early goals to begin the final 15 minutes. The Mavericks were not going down without a fight though, as they netted a couple of late goals. Ultimately, Tampa proved too much for Colorado Mesa to handle.

13:52 – Canyon Birch, unassisted

11:35 – Canyon Birch, assisted by Luke McAnaney

Final: 19-11 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Two Spartans recorded hat tricks or more Canyon Birch (6) and Luke McAnaney (4).
• 9 different Spartans got on the scoresheet
• Blake Ulmer recorded 19 saves

UP NEXT: The Spartans remain at home as they welcome Westminster on Thursday a 7:30 p.m.