Tampa Set Host No.3 Cougars In Home Opener

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans are set to host the No. 3 Columbus State University Cougars for its home opener on Friday night at Pepin Stadium.

Tampa comes into the game with a 1-0-1 record coming off a dominant 3-1 win over Tusculum at the CSU College Invitational. Columbus State enters the matchup 2-0-0, as the Cougars are coming off back to back victories over Lynn University and Lee University.

Offensively, UT presents a well-balanced attack. The four goals tallied early in the campaign have come from a different Spartan. Cici Gonzalez, Gabby Scirica, Lauren Cicero, and Korey O'Rourke have all registered goals and will look to add to their totals. The Spartans come into the game dominating possession and scoring opportunities out shooting opponents 45-15 and posting a .533 shots on goal %.

Defensively, Audrey Hayward and Miranda Gonzalez, along with a group of very talented defenders set the tone for Tampa. Spartans have limited opposing team's opportunities and held over 60% of the possession in both games played thus far in the season. The aggressive hard nosed play style is what helps their side control the pace and possession of the match.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with live stats and a broadcast available for fans to follow the action at home via TampaSpartans.TV.

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