UTMLAX is Set to Host the Lynn University Fighting Knights
March 27, 2017

UTMLAX is Set to Host the Lynn University Fighting Knights

The Tampa Spartans look to advance their SSC record to 2-0 as they take on the Fighting Knights.

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 14 University of Tampa men's lacrosse team will host the Lynn University Fighting Knights on Saturday, at 3 p.m. The meeting marks the fifth matchup between the two universities, Tampa having won the previous four. 

The Matchup: No. 14 University of Tampa (8-3) vs. Lynn University (5-5)

Date/Time: Saturday, April 1 at 3 p.m. 

  •  In the last meeting, on March 19, 2016, the University of Tampa defeated the Fighting Knights 15-10. Senior Conor Whipple led the Spartans on offense with eight goals and one assist. Defensively, Charlie Cummins caused the Knights to turn the ball over on three different occasions, while returning goal keeper Bryan Karn recorded five saves for the Spartans. 

Last Time Out: The University of Tampa men's lacrosse team defeated the Rollins College Tars 18-11 in their first Sunshine State Conference (SSC) matchup of the season. Sophomore, Andrew Kew led the team in points with nine, recording seven goals and two assists. Bryan Wright and Conor Whipple also played key roles in the Spartans offense earning three and one goal respectively on the night. Additionally, Whipple also led the team in assists with four, totaling 24 on the season. Specialist, Sam Watts had an outstanding night, winning 26-28 of the face-offs he participated in. On defense, senior Marty Heyn led the Spartans recording three ground balls and one caused turnover.  

Due to the performances of both Kew and Watts in their matchup with the Tars, the two earned the SSC Player of the Week honors, for offense and specialist respectively. 

About the Spartans: The Spartans finished the 2016 season with an overall record of 15-3. After falling short in the semifinal, UT is hungry for another national championship title run. 

This season the Spartans are led offensively by attackers Kew and Whipple with 53 and 18 goals respectively. Whipple, a 2016 USILA second team All-American and 2016 Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year, is also leading the team in assists with 24 this season. The University of Tampa Spartans also return seniors Jake Schmidt and Marty Heyn. Schmidt was a 2016 USILA third team All-American, and Heyn was a 2016 USILA honorable mention.

About the Fighting Knights:  The Knights currently stand with an overall record of 4-4, 0-1 in the SSC. Offensively, Austin Jerhoff and Mikey Urso have 18 and 13 goals this season. Lynn University defense is led by John Flanary with eight caused turnovers and nine ground balls. Their main face-off man is Dryden Brous with a win percentage of .684 with 44 groundballs. 

Rankings: The University of Tampa men's lacrosse team was selected as the No. 4 squad in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association/Nike Preseason Coaches Poll. The Spartans hauled in 297 points after reaching the 2016 NCAA Division II Semifinals just a season ago. Taking the top spot is reigning national champions LeMoyne, as the Dolphins received all 18 first place votes. Runner up Limestone sits No. 2 while Merrimack garnered 322 points to pick up the No. 3 ranking. However, after losing on February 18, to the No. 17 Lindenwood Lions, on February 25, to the No. 2 Limestone Saints, and on March 11, to No.11 Belmont Abbey, the Spartans have dropped to No. 14.   

Series History:  Tampa currently leads the series 4-0.

Tickets: Tickets for are $5 for adults, senior citizens and coaches. Children under 12 will be admitted free. UT students, faculty and staff will be admitted free with a valid student ID.

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