Milani's 2nd EIght-Point Game Launches Tampa to 8th Straight Victory

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – No.3 Tampa earns first road conference win against the Sailfish behind explosive offensive performance.

The Spartans wasted no time, as Andrew Milani netted the opening goal less than one minute into the game. Owen Miller would record another goal for Tampa just twenty seconds later. The Sailfish would respond a couple of minutes after, before Charlie Bolesh netted a goal off an assist from teammate Alex Poma. Tampa would then net consecutive goals behind Nick Papa's man-up tally and Andrew Milani's goal from Jackson Bashaw. Bashaw would go on to net his own goal less than one minute after his assist. Behind two buzzer-beater goals with only five seconds left from Milani and Canyon Birch, the Spartans would head into the second quarter with a six-goal lead.

The second 15 minutes would begin with the Sailfish scoring a goal, cutting the Spartans' lead to five. Milani would find Papa in front of the net, allowing Tampa to regain the six-goal lead. Bolesh would net his second of the game before Palm Beach Atlantic netted one to keep the Sailfish alive. About 10 seconds later, Alex Poma found the back of the net, cushioning the Spartans' lead. Tampa would go on to score three consecutive goals from Jackson Day, Miller, and Aidan Cassara, to extend their lead to nine headed into halftime.

The second half began with Papa finishing off his hat trick. The Tampa offense would go on a four-goal run after this, behind Bashaw, Milani, and Friend to extend the lead to 14. The Sailfish got two back late in the quarter, cutting the Spartans' lead to 12 headed into the final 15 minutes.

The final 15 minutes began with Evan Gibbs extending the Spartan lead. Palm Beach Atlantic would get one back with just over eight and a half minutes left in the game. Wyatt Antkiewicz recorded his first goal as a Spartan, and Tommy Ortega recorded his second goal of the season with just over six minutes left in the matchup. With a buzzer-beater by Matthew Vara, the Spartans' explosive offense proved too much for the Sailfish to handle.

Stat of the Game – Andrew Milani recorded his second 8-point game of the season (5G,3A).

TAMPA POST-GAME NOTES 

• The Spartans have won eight straight.
• Luca Mercaldo and Charlie Villa split net time, each recording 4 saves.
• Milani led Tampa in goals, with 5.
• The Spartan defense held the Sailfish scoreless for 13 minutes in the third quarter.
• Aidan Cassara, Matthew Vara, and Wyatt Antkiewicz each netted their first goals as a Spartan.
• Kevin Stiff and Milani led Tampa in caused turnovers with 2.

UP NEXT - Tampa closes their brief road trip on Wednesday as they travel to take on Embry-Riddle at 4:00 p.m.