Spartans Host Royals in Home Opener

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 24 University of Tampa women's soccer team will host Queens University of Charlotte (N.C) at Pepin Stadium on Friday night. The home opener is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m., and the Spartans are 8-1-1 in their last ten home openers. 

The Match: No. 24 University of Tampa (1-0-1) vs. Queens (N.C.) (1-1)

Date/Time: Friday, September 7 at 7 p.m.

Location: Pepin Stadium || Tampa, Fla. || 417 North Boulevard, Tampa, Fla. 33606

Last Time Out: UT upset No. 18 Mississippi College on Sunday afternoon by a score of 3-1 and relied heavily on Moeko Morse who managed to find the net three times in only her second career match. Megan Bromwell secured the victory in net, and logged 11 saves against the ranked Choctaws. It was the first ranked victory since November 2015 in the NCAA tournament. 

About the Spartans: The Spartans enter this matchup with a new ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Women's Soccer DII National Top 25 Poll. After the upset over No. 18 Mississippi College, UT jumped to No. 24 in the poll. In the season opener against West Alabama, Emily Cady tallied two goals in the high-scoring, 4-4 draw. Lovisa Camel started the season opener in the goal while Bromwell started game two. On Sunday, Tampa welcomes Lenoir-Rhyne to Pepin Stadium for a match beginning at 11 a.m.

About the Royals: Queens University dropped their season opener against SSC-foe Lynn University 3-2, after the Royals fought back to even the score at two. However in game two, Queens defeated UNC Pembroke 3-2 following a two-hour weather delay. Royals' senior Charlotte Ring has scored twice on five shots, and has added an assist. She netted a penalty kick to win the game against UNC Pembroke. Senior goalie Rachel Quest has played every minute in the team's opening two games, and Quest racked up five saves on 14 shots. 

All-time Series: The team's met last season in the first-ever matchup and Erika Peitersen scored the lone goal in a 1-1 draw. 

Tickets: General Admission ticket prices for all Tampa regular season athletic events are $5. Youth (ages 12 and under) are admitted free of charge. Students and faculty/staff are admitted free with a valid UT ID.

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