Tampa Prevails in Shootout to Win Third Straight SSC Tournament Title

Box score

WINTER PARK, Fla. - The 2012 Sunshine State Conference Women's Soccer Tournament was decided in penalty kicked as No. 14 Rollins College (12-4-1) and No. 23 University of Tampa (13-3-3) were tied at 1-1 following 110 minutes of play.

"What an unbelievable feeling again for UT," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We are so proud of the team and our resilience. This was a true team performance and we are delighted with the outcome. To win this tournament is very difficult. To win three in a row is testament to the team through the years."

The Spartans would take the title with a 4-2 edge in penalty kicks, winning the program's third straight SSC tournament and sixth in women's soccer history.

The home team seized the early momentum as the Tars took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Brenna McKee in the 12th minute. Ali Schrader assisted the goal for Rollins.

The Spartans would even the count at 1-1 behind the leg of senior Courtney Peffley, early in the second half. Lauren Moore and Gabby Russo were each credited with an assist as the ball was layed to Peffley at the top of the box, who converted at 55:03.

"I'm delighted too for Courtney Peffley and Nicole (Munnelly) to finish their UT careers with another trophy," says Lucey.

Neither team was able to score in the remainder of the second half, or both overtimes, forcing a shootout that consisted of five opportunities for each team.

"I can't say enough about our freshmen defenders who have been outstanding all season," comments Lucey. "Beate (Jaeckel) and Jess (Frank) haven't received the credit they deserve. Both have put in performances beyond their years and we are fortunate to have them here."

Both teams began the shootout with unsuccessful attempts, followed by goals by Tampa's Cina Salemi, Beate Jaeckel and Cici Gonzalez. Rollins also missed its third attempting, which Jess Frank capitalized on to give UT the SSC title and victory in the shootout.

"To have three freshmen step up and take the last three penalty kicks bodes well for our future," believes Lucey. "Cici (Gonzalez), Beate and Jess were cool, calm and collected and buried their kicks."

"Cina Salemi has also been an unsung hero all season," says Lucey. "She has held our team together through solid play as a holding midfielder. Cina has been excellent this season as a starter and is the catalyst behind many attacking moves."

Tampa goalkeeper Kori Butterfield turned in a masterful performance, turning away six shots by the Tars. Rollins held a slim 11-10 edge in shots, with a 7-4 differential in shots on target.

"Kori (Butterfield) was deservedly the player of the tournament as she pulled off several top-class saves including the first PK," states Lucey. "She has been solid all year and kept us in the game at key moments today."

Tampa will next be in action on Nov. 9-11 at the NCAA South Regional. Pairings and sites will be announced Monday as a total of six teams from the South Region will compete at two different sites.

"We look forward to the NCAA selection tomorrow evening and hope we can get on a roll too," states Lucey.

Fans may follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans), Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans), YouTube (youtube.com/utathletics) and Instragram (tampaspartans). UT also offers blAst, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.