Ronan Sanchez's Five Point Performance Propels Tampa to First Victory of the Season

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 4 University of Tampa Spartans defeat Flagler College on the road to open up the 2024 campaign with a win. After defeating Flagler 15-6, the Spartans improved to 3-0 all-time versus the Saints.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Flagler opened up the scoring less than a minute into the game after an unassisted goal by Logan Tobias. Tampa would answer with three straight unanswered goals. Ronan Sanchez, who led all players in points (5) opened up the scoring for the Spartans. Nick Papa responded just over a minute later to put Tampa on top. Flagler would score a pair of unanswered goals later on to nod the score up at three between the two sides. Jackson Bashaw would give UT the lead again after Matthew Beddow tallied his first assist of the season but the Saints would answer back to end the first quarter level.

The second quarter began with both teams playing well defensively. Tampa would record six shots before Bashaw found the back of the net to open the scoring. The Spartans went on to net two unanswered goals, with Ryan Kemp recording a goal and assist, to build a three-goal lead heading into halftime.

Tampa wasted no time to begin the second half, with Sanchez finishing out his hat trick in the opening minutes. Andrew Milani and Papa netted goals, putting the Spartans on a 6-0 run with a six-goal lead heading into the final quarter. 

The Saints netted an early goal to cut into the Spartans' lead. Charlie Bolesh would answer less than a minute later to keep the Tampa lead at six. Flagler would net a pair of goals before Canyon Birch recorded a hat trick. Behind a late goal from Milani, the Spartans would defeat the Saints 15-6. 

Stat of the Game - Ronan Sanchez led all players with five points and tied teammate Canyon Birch in goals (3).

TAMPA POST-GAME NOTES 

• The No.4 ranked Spartans opened the 2024 season with a win. 
• Luca Mercaldo recorded 13 saves, with a .684 save percentage.
• Five Spartans netted multiple goals: Sanchez (3), Birch (3), Bashaw (2), Milani (2), and Papa (2).
• Sanchez recorded his second career hat trick.
• Six players made their Spartan debuts: Milani, Kemp, Evan Ansted, Tommy Ortega, J.P. Robinson, and Mitchell Pfeiffer.

UP NEXT - The Spartans play their first home matchup on Friday at 7:30 PM against Rockhurst.