Gerry Lucey Now Atop UT Win List as Spartans Pick Up Double Overtime NCAA Victory

Box score

WINTER PARK, Fla. - Gerry Lucey earned his 69th career victory at the helm of the University of Tampa (14-5-2) as the No. 19 Spartans advanced with a 1-0 double overtime victory over the University of North Alabama (17-4) in the opening round of the NCAA South Regional at Rollins College.

"This certainly wasn't our best performance of the year but in the end we will gladly take the win," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "North Alabama played a very good game and were a formidable opponent. It's tough for them to lose in overtime and especially two years running."

The game was scoreless for over 108 minutes until freshman Lauren Moore connected on the biggest goal of her young career. Moore successfully converted a header goal off a Courtney Peffley corner kick with just 1:37 remaining before penalty kicks.

"In saying that, I'm very proud of our commitment and effort," comments Lucey. "We didn't have a good first half but we picked it up in the second half and showed better. Both teams had good opportunities to win the game and fortunately Lauren Moore was in a great position to head in Peffleys corner. We also had Emelie Karstrom to thank for a couple of huge saves during regulation."

Following a first-half that included just three shots (2-1 UNA), the Spartan offense came to life in the second half as it registered six shots compared to three for the Lions. Four of UT's second-half shots were on target.

Each team posted a shot in the first overtime, with Moore's game-winning going down as the lone shot for both teams in the final overtime period.

Sophomore goalkeeper Emelie Karstrom tallied her second consecutive shutout and eighth of the season as she concluded the contest with four saves. The Spartans outshot the Lions 9-6, and also held a 5-4 edge in shots on target.

Moore led all Spartans with four shots as classmate Gabby Russo tallied two shots and a team-high two on goal.

"It's fantastic to move on and get the chance to reach the last 16," states Lucey. "Rollins is an excellent team and will be prepared and ready to get revenge for us beating them last week to win the conference tournament. We need to match their intensity and find a way to win the game."

This marks the second consecutive season where UT defeated the Lions in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Regional. In 2010, Tampa advanced on a 2-1 overtime victory over UNA in Pensacola, Fla.

In his fifth season at Tampa, Lucey is now 69-30-10, matching Bobby Johnston as the winningest coach in UT history. Lucey previously notched his 100th career victory earlier this season in a 2-0 win over Lincoln Memorial on Sept. 30.

The Spartans now advance to meet host and No. 11 Rollins College in the NCAA South regional semifinal on Sunday. The game is scheduled for 12 p.m., in Winter Park. Live stats and a webcast are available through www.tampaspartans.com.

"The girls are on cloud nine and looking forward to getting back out there on Sunday," says Lucey.

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