Canyon Birch's 6 Points Lead No.4 Tampa to Road Win

Birch, 2024.
Birch, 2024.
February 24, 2024

NAPLES, Fla. - No. 4 Tampa defeats Florida Tech on the road. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Tampa jumped out to an early lead after Jackson Day scored a goal off an assist from Dom Roturra in the early minutes of the first quarter. The Spartans would go up two goals after Nick Papa scored on the man advantage towards the end of the first. The Panthers would get one back before heading in the second quarter, where Andrew Milani netted two goals to give the Spartans a 4-3 lead headed into halftime. 

Jackson Bashaw would get Tampa started in the second half, netting his sixth goal of the season off a pass from Mitchell Pfeiffer. Tampa and Florida Tech would trade goals in the third quarter, with Canyon Birch netting four goals in seven minutes. The Spartans would enter the final 15 with a 11-4 lead over the Panthers.

The Panthers came out strong to start the fourth scoring the first two goals of the quarter. The Spartans continued to score, with goals from Birch and Milani, earning the 13-8 road win. 

Stat of the Game - Canyon Birch tallied five goals, and one assist, leading the game with 6 points. 

TAMPA POST-GAME NOTES 

  • Birch netted his third hat trick of the season.

  • The Spartans lead the Sunshine State Conference in goals, with 60.

  • Tampa moves to 3-1 on the season.

  • Milani netted his second hat trick of the season.

  • Luca Mercaldo tallied 12 saves.

     

UP NEXT - The Spartans return home to take on Belmont Abbey on Saturday March 2nd, at 7:30p.m.