No. 23 Tampa Turns Out Lights on Saint Leo Season

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 23 University of Tampa (12-3-3) women's soccer team defeated Saint Leo University (2-12-2) by a score of 4-0 on Wednesday's Senior Night at Pepin Stadium.

"This was another tremendous performance from the team against one of our local opponents," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We set about trying to pressure Saint Leo from the first minute and we were happy with our overall performance. This completes our regular season and we couldn't have asked for better from a young side."

The Spartans dominated the Lions on both ends of the field, as UT registered 20 total shots and 10 shots on goal to the Lions two total shots and zero shots on goal.

"We still lack some of the steel from last year's team especially Brittan (Spence), Sam (Kay), Jazmin (Perry) and Charlotte (White) and need to find the characters to step up and become stars," continues Lucey. "We have potential to go far if our team can dig deep and find the resources."

Freshman Cici Gonzalez kicked off the Tampa attack with a first half goal in the 20th minute with an assist from a Courtney Peffley corner kick. Gonzalez now has 12 goals this season, which are ranked second in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). Peffley is currently ranked first in assists within the SSC with 10 helpers.

"Cici (Gonzalez) put in another tremendous performance tonight but I was more impressed with our team work ethic and hunger to succeed," believes Lucey.

Amber Pennybaker knocked in her second goal of the season from five yards out in the 47th minute. Gonzalez was credited with the assist in the score.

The SSC's leading goal scorer, Lauren Moore, tallied her 15th goal of the season in the 59th minute, which was assisted by Gonzalez. Moore is also ranked in the top-15 in the nation for goals scored, and in the top-25 in goals per game.

The Spartans scored quickly after Moore's goal in the 60th minute, as Taylor Wade knocked in her first goal of the season with just 41 seconds between the final two scores for Tampa. Gonzalez chipped in another assist on the final goal of the game.

Gonzalez finished the game with one goal scored and three assists while playing a part in all four Spartan goals. Gonzalez now has seven assists this season.

This was the final regular-season home game for the Spartan women's soccer team in which the University of Tampa honored three seniors prior to the start of the game. The seniors were Nicole Munnelly, Kayti Simonson, and Peffley. The University is very proud of the work they have done on the field and in the classroom.

"There is a long path ahead and a number of our players have traveled it before," states Lucey. "Hopefully their experience will tell and our choices be wise along the next few games."

Tampa's next games will be played in the SSC Semifinals after finishing second in league play to receive a first-round bye. The semifinals will be played on Friday, Nov. 2, in Winter Park, Fla., with Rollins College serving as the host.

"We have a very difficult few weeks ahead and with good fortune we will be able to achieve our team goals," concludes Lucey.

Please visit TampaSpartans.com for complete information on postseason women's soccer action.

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