Spartans Defense Shuts Down Lions in Road Win

ST. LEO, Fla. – No.3 Tampa defeats Saint Leo in conference showdown on the road.

The Spartans would waste no time to begin the game, with Andrew Milani opening the scoring less than two minutes into the game. Less than one minute later, Canyon Birch would find the back of the net to build the Tampa lead. Milani would go on to score back-to-back goals, finishing off his hat trick with just over nine minutes left to play in the first quarter. The Lions would get on the board soon after, before Jackson Bashaw netted one to re-gain a four-goal lead for the Spartans. After a successful penalty kill by Saint Leo, Owen Miller scored one of his own to cushion the Tampa lead.

The second quarter began with the Lions netting an early goal, cutting the Spartans' lead to four. Saint Leo would net back-to-back goals to cut into the Tampa lead. Milani would net his fourth of the game soon after, getting one back for the Spartans. With just over eight minutes to play before the half, the Lions scored once again, making it a two-goal lead for the Spartans. The Lions would cut the Spartans' lead to one goal with just under six and a half minutes before halftime. Ryan Kemp would score his sixth goal of the season to build Tampa's lead back to two goals. After a late goal by Saint Leo, Tampa would head into the break with a one goal lead.

The second half began with Milani opening the scoring once again, netting his fifth of the game. With just over six and a half minutes left in the quarter, Nick Papa netted an unassisted goal to build the Tampa lead back to three. The Spartans' defense did not allow the Lions to find the back of the net in this quarter. Behind a late goal from Owen Miller assisted by Charlie Bolesh, Tampa would head into the final 15 minutes with a four-goal lead.

The final 15 minutes began with Birch netting his second of the game, building Tampa's lead to five. Less than two minutes later, Ronan Sanchez connected with Bashaw on his second tally of the night. Bolesh went on to net one of his own off a pass from Bashaw to cushion the Spartans' lead. Behind back to back late goals from Milani, Tampa would earn their eleventh straight win.

Stat of the Game – Andrew Milani recorded his second straight seven goal game.

TAMPA POST-GAME NOTES 

• The Spartans have won 11 straight.
• Luca Mercaldo recorded nine saves.
• Milani recorded his sixth hat trick of the season.
• The Tampa defense held Saint Leo scoreless in the second half.
• Alex Poma led Tampa in groundballs with 7.
• Milani recorded his second straight seven goal game.

UP NEXT - Tampa continues their road trip on Saturday as they travel to Sparks, Maryland for a neutral site game against Seton Hill at 12:00p.m.