No.8 Tampa Opens Season Against Tusculum

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans men's lacrosse team is set to play host to Tusculum College Sunday afternoon, as they welcome in the Pioneers to the Naimoli Family Athletic Complex.

UT looks to open up their 2016 campaign against TC this Sunday while the Pioneers look to bounce back from a 0-1 start after getting trounced by Limestone College 16-5.

No. 8 Tampa brings back a majority of their squad that made back to back NCAA tournament appearances including key weapons Conor Whipple, Mike Morris, and Matt Bilak, which should make the Spartans a hard team to handle on the offensive end. The Spartans averaged 12.53 goals per game and 6.36 assists per game last season and look to improve on that offensive output.

Other key returners for UT include defenders Marty Heyn, Charlie Cummins, Nick Balzano and goalkeeper A.J. Arnold, who will all look to make a big impact for the Spartans this season. While just allowing 8.15 goals per game last season netminder Arnold will try to stifle opposing players and improve his .769 save percentage from 2015.

Heyn will be looking to return to form after an injury-plagued season in 2015. The defender appeared in just four CONTESTS, after putting up impressive numbers in 2014 and earning honorable mention All-American and First-team All-SSC honors.

The game marks just the second time the two programs have met with The Spartans earning the victory in 2015 by a score of 14-8

Game time is set for a 12 P.M., afternoon matinee, live stats, as well as a web broadcast will be available for fans to follow the action via TampaSpartans.com

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