Spartans Outlast Knights En Route To SSC Title Game

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans men's lacrosse team defeated the Lynn University Fighting Knights Friday night in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament semifinal game. The Spartans defeated the Fighting Knights 13-5 en route to a championship game appearance against the Florida Tech Panthers.

Tampa started the game hot, as they were able to put up the first four goals of the game, to jump out to a 4-0 lead with 4:26 left in the quarter. Lynn would respond with two unanswered goals of their own to end the quarter trailing by just two goals. The two teams would score two goals each in the second quarter, as UT held a 6-4 lead after the first 30 minutes of play.

The third quarter was quiet, as each of the teams only recorded one goal in the period. However, in the fourth and final quarter, the Spartans were able to catch fire, as they produced six goals, while holding the opposition scoreless.

Jake Schmidt was key for Tampa, as the junior attacker scored a game high six goals on eight shots. When asked about Schmidt's performance head coach Rory Whipple said, " They shutting us off and other people had to step up. We have too many powerful guys, so they can't shut down the whole team. Schmidt had a great game and stepped up big for us."

Joining Schmidt on the score sheet were Sean Giampietro, who notched two goals, Mike Morris, Zac Goldbach, Nick Ferreiro, Bobby Calhoun, T.j. Mikolich, and Dante Querci, who recorded a goal each. Conor Whipple dished out a team high three assists for Tampa.

As a team, UT was able to cause eight turnovers, while picking up 23 groundballs, and converting on all 19 clear attempts.

Tampa returns to action on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. as they try to earn their second consecutive Sunshine State Conference Tournament Championship.

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