Spartans Lose Heartbreaker to Defending Champ Limestone
TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 4 University of Tampa Spartans dropped a heartbreaking game to No. 1 Limestone College on Saturday afternoon by a score of 17-6 in men's lacrosse action from Naimoli Field.
This defeat gives UT its first loss of the year as they now stand at 2-1 on the season. The victory improves Limestone to 2-0 in the 2015 campaign. Limestone jumped ahead quick cashing in five goals in the second period to give them a 6-3 lead at the half.
Rory Whipple's squad came out in the second eager and prepared: however, the Saints offense proved to be too much as they spread the Tampa defense thin as they scored four of their six third period goals from the edge of the offensive zone. Vinny Ricci and Mike Messenger, spear-headed Limestone's offense as Ricci scored six goals and Messenger put away five goals of his own.
The Tampa attack was led by junior Matt Bilak as he netted four against the defending champs. Sophomore Conor Whipple added a goal of his own along with tallying an assist for the Spartans. The Spartans attack had no room to execute their game plan as the Saints clogged the middle of the offensive zone. This caused problems for UT as they could never get any continuity or flow going on the offensive end.
Midfielder Jon McGowan's foul against limestone's Coltin Moseman towards the beginning of the fourth period proved to be very costly as it resulted in the Spartans playing a man down for two minutes. During that stretch the Saints put away two goals, which ultimately put the game out of reach for UT.
The Spartans return to action on February 28 at Namoli Stadium for the conference opener against Rollins college the game time is set for a 1:00 PM EST start. Live stats and Broadcast will be available to fans to follow along online at TampaSpartans.TV
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