Spartans Defeat Panthers, 4-1

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (10-3, 5-1 SSC) women's soccer team defeated Florida Tech (5-4-2, 1-3-2 SSC) by a score of 4-1 on Saturday night at Pepin Stadium.

"This was a very satisfying win after losing to FIT earlier this season," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We proved we could battle and fight and still play some quality soccer too."

The Spartans jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 19th minute, as Gabby Russo registered her fourth goal of the season on a rocketed shot from ten feet out. Courtney Peffley was credited with the assist on the goal.

Tampa quickly scored again two minutes later in the 21st minute with a goal from Cici Gonzalez, her tenth of the season. Jenny Karl provided an assist from the left of the goal.

Russo extended the Spartans' lead to 3-0 in the 57th minute with an unassisted breakaway goal, which she headed over the Panthers' goalkeeper's head. Russo now has five goals for the season.

Peffley finished off the Tampa offensive attack with a goal in the 78th minute off of a corner kick. Peffley now has four total goals this season.

Florida Tech was able to muster a goal late in the game with an 85th minute goal, which gave the match the 4-1 final score.

"I was delighted with the overall team performance and the players coming off the bench too," states Lucey. "We showed some good depth for such a young team. With only three returning starters our team has gelled together very strongly. We have a lot of room for improvement and hopefully we will reach the heights we seek."

UT will head out on the road on Oct. 10 for a matchup with Rollin College at 5 p.m. with live stats available through Rollins athletic website.

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