Spartans Tame Lions and Remain Undefeated in Conference Play

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa lacrosse team defeated Saint Leo University 9-5. Tampa remains undefeated in conference at 5-0 and is 8-3 overall. Saint Leo drops to 3-3 in conference and 4-5 overall.

Ryan Becker got the scoring started for the Spartans less than four minutes into the game with an unassisted goal. It would be the sophomore's first of three on the night.

Less than three minutes later M.J. Lorenzo took advantage of a man-up opportunity, making it 2-0 Tampa from a pass by A.J. DeSimone.

Becker and Lorenzo would each net another goal in the first giving UT a 4-0 lead after one period. Tampa took 10 shots, seven of which were on goal in the quarter.

The second period was scoreless, with very little offensive pressure by either squad.

Saint Leo would get on the board in the third with a goal by Chris Caiazza, assisted by Ray Ferrara.

Jeff Clements would find Greg Griffo to put Tampa back up by four. It was Griffo's ninth of the season and Clements' fourth assist.

The Lions retaliated with two straight to cut the Spartan lead to 5-3 with 6:29 remaining in the third period.

DeSimone scored his team leading 20th goal of the season with an over-the-shoulder shot. The junior's goal would prove to be the eventual game winner for Tampa. Lorenzo recorded the assist on the goal.

However, SLU would not go away as Matt Obermeyer scored his second of the game to once again bring the Lions back to within two.

With under a minute left in the third Becker completed the hat trick, making it 7-4 going into the final period.

James McAuliffe scored the eighth goal of the game for Tampa less than two minutes into the fourth period, his fifth of the year.

After Robert Hutchinson scored to bring Saint Leo to within three goals, Lorenzo scored his third of the game to ice the victory for the Spartans.

Reining Deep South Conference Defensive Player of the Week Joseph Fiorucci made 12 saves for UT, including seven in the third period.

Tampa took advantage of its man-up opportunities, scoring twice on six attempts.

Tampa plays Lenoir-Rhyne next on Friday at 7 p.m. at home. Live stats will be available through TampaSpartans.com.

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