No. 16 Spartans Set to Host No. 5 Panthers in SSC Showdown
The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team welcomes SSC foe, Florida Tech, on Wednesday, April 4th at 4:00 p.m.
TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 16 University of Tampa women's lacrosse team is set to host the No. 5 Florida Tech Panthers on Wednesday, April 4th, at 4:00 p.m.
The Matchup: University of Tampa (9-4, 1-1 SSC) vs. Florida Tech (10-1, 0-1 SSC)
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 4th at 4:00 p.m.
Location: Naimoli Family Intramural and Athletic Complex | Tampa, Fla.
Last Time Out: The No. 16 University of Tampa Spartans defeated the Colorado State-Pueblo TimberWolves by a final score of 14-7. In the contest, sophomore Claire Swanson had a lights-out performance, leading Tampa in both goals and draw controls. The Cheyenne, Wyoming native scored five goals for the Spartans in addition to winning nine draw controls and picking up two ground balls for UT. Following Swanson's offensive efforts, four different Spartans had two goals for Tampa. These players included Kayla Kosubinsky, Caroline Forester, Carly Vaccaro, and Maggie Gladden. Abby Coccagna headed the defensive efforts for the Spartans. She logged six caused turnovers and seven ground balls in the contest. Bridget Sutter suited up as the team's starting goalkeeper. Against the TimberWolves, she faced 13 shots and recorded six saves. Also, due to her stellar performance against both the TimberWolves and the No. 1 Florida Southern Moccasins earlier in the week, she earned the SSC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
About the Spartans: Tampa is currently 9-4 overall, 1-1 in the Sunshine State Conference. To start the 2018 season, the Spartans played three top-ranked opponents. In their very first game of the season, they were able to defeat the No. 11 ranked Rollins College Tars 10-6. The Spartans then took on No. 13 Limestone College, and No. 7 Queens University. Although they lost both of these matchups, the games were close and the group has showed stellar performances since. In fact, Tampa's only losses this season have been from top-25 programs. Most recently, the Spartans lost to SSC rival, No. 1 Florida Southern, by one goal. Due to the team's outstanding performance thus far, the Spartans have Snagged the No. 16 rank according to the USILA Coaches Poll.
About the Panthers: The Panthers are currently 10-1 overall, 0-1 in the Sunshine State Conference. Florida Tech's only loss has come from No. 1 Florida Southern who defeated the Panthers by a final score of 15-11. The biggest offensive threats for the Panthers are #3 Sara Grenier, #20 Lauren Tybor, and #8 Caroline Dunleavy. Grenier, currently leads Tech with 40 goals and eight assists on the season. Following her efforts are #20 Lauren Tybor with 30 goals and 20 assists and #8 Caroline Dunleavy who has 26 goals and 27 assists. Defensively, #17 Sam Schiano leads the Panthers with 35 caused turnovers and 47 ground balls. Florida Tech's primary goalkeeper is #21 Stephanie Stuart. Stuart has started all 11 games for the Panthers and has racked up 79 saves and a goals against average of 9.64.
Series History (Women's): Florida Tech leads the all-time series against Tampa 3-0.
Tickets: Tickets for are $5 for adults, senior citizens and coaches. Children under 12 will be admitted free. UT students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid student ID.