No.1 Queens Knocks Off No.4 Tampa to Advance to the South Regional Championship

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The University of Tampa Spartans fall short in the first round of the NCAA South Regional Tournament to Queen's (N.C.). 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: No. 1 Queens Royals 16, No. 4 Tampa Spartans 13

Records: Queens University of Charlotte Royals (20-0) ,  University of Tampa (11-8)

Location: Queen's Sports Complex | Charlotte, N.C. 

All-time Series: Tampa trails in the all-time series against Queens by a record of 8-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

First Quarter 

The first quarter started off as an even affair between the two sides until Tampa's Christina Romano struck first to break open the scoring. Minutes later, Olivia Mott would find the back of the net herself as the Spartans jumped out to a two-goal lead, which was the first time the Royals trailed at home all season. Junior goalkeeper, Alex Walling recorded three big time saves early in the first quarter to ensure that the Spartans stayed out on top. The program's leading goalscorer, Madison Birch was able to find the back of the net with just under eight minutes remaining off a creative assist from Lizzie Pierpont. With just under five minutes remaining in the first, the Royals scored four unanswered to bring the game back to even to close out the first quarter. 

11:49 – Christina Romano, unassisted

10:19 – Olivia Mott, assisted by Lizzie Pierpont 

07:59 – Madison Birch, assisted by Lizzie Pierpont

06:29 – Madison Birch, unassisted

Score: 4-4, Tied

Second Quarter

Within the first minute of play in the second quarter, Birch looked to get the Spartans back on top as she scored her third consecutive goal. Walling was able to record another huge save off of a Rebecca Kinsley free position shot. The remainder of the first half was a battle between both sides but ultimately the Spartans were able to regain their advantage as Julia Kolderman was able to score two goals, and Cece Colombo added a goal in the closing seconds of the second quarter of play.  

14:06 – Madison Birch, unassisted

10:38 – Julia Kolderman, unassisted

02:34 – Julia Kolderman, unassisted

00:21 – Cece Colombo, unassisted (Free Position)

Score: 8-7, Tampa

Third Quarter 

Similarly to the first half, the second half was again another back-and-forth affair between the two national powerhouses. Emma McLoughlin netted her first on the afternoon, midway through the quarter. Walling continued her dominant performance in goal as she recorded 13 saves throughout the first 40 minutes of play. 

07:28 – Emma McLoughlin, unassisted

Score: 11-9, Queens

Fourth Quarter

Heading into the final quarter of play, Tampa looked to narrow the gap to keep their postseason hopes alive. The trio of McLoughlin, Romano and Birch all netted goals to aid the comeback effort for the Spartans, however the offensive attack fell just short as the Royals were able to close out and win by a final score of 16-13. 

10:08 – Emma McLoughlin, assisted by Madison Birch 

06:30 – Christina Romano, assisted by Julia Kolderman (UP)

04:37 – Madison Birch, unassisted

01:27 – Sarah Hinkle, assisted by Cece Colombo

Final: 16-13, Queens

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Birch recorded 11th hattrick of the season as she finished with four goals today.

• Four different Spartans scored multiple goals today: Birch (4), Kolderman (2), E. McLoughlin (2), C. Romano (2).

• Walling's 14 saves today gives her eight games this season with double-figure saves

• Queens outshot Tampa 39-30

• Tampa led in ground balls 22-16

BEYOND THE BOX:

• No. 1 Queen's advances to their third consecutive NCAA South Regional Championship game as they will take on the winner of No. 2 Florida Southern and No.3 Wingate.