Spartans Advance to South Regional Final

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The 14th-ranked University of Tampa women's soccer team shut out Ouachita Baptist by a score of 1-0 in the NCAA South Regional semi-final matchup. The Spartans improve to 17-2-2 on the season while the Tigers conclude their season at 13-4-2.

Through a scoreless first half, the Spartans and Tigers combined for a total of five shots as each team displayed great defense. The second half started just like the first for the Spartan defense, however the Spartan offense took flight firing away 16 second half shots.

They prevailed in the 74th minute with a shot to the left corner by senior forward Alison Penland, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead. Penland was assisted by Shelby Kuni and Maria Mohammed.

The Spartans outshot the Tigers 19-5, and had a 5-2 advantage on corner kicks.

Goalkeeper Shannon Aitken posted her 12th shutout of the season while making one save.

Five Spartans made the all-tournament team as the Tigers and Nova Southeastern added four and two respectively:

Alison Penland, UT
Courtney Evans, UT
Marissa Bernard, UT
Emily Stack, UT
Ashley Flateland, UT
Taylor Jordan, OBU
Paige Ross, OBU
Katie Swope, OBU
Joyce Hansen, OBU
Stephanie Quinones, NSU
Natalie Bellini, NSU

The Spartans are back in action Friday as they face the University of Montevallo in the South Regional final. Times will be released at a later date.