No.1 Seed Spartans Advance to the NCAA Semifinals with Textbook Win Over Lenoir-Rhyne

TAMPA, Fla. – The No.1 seed University of Tampa Spartans men's lacrosse started their NCAA tournament campaign with a close win over the No. 4 seeded Lenoir-Rhyne University to advance to the NCAA Semifinals.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: No. 1 Tampa 13, No. 4 Lenoir-Rhyne 11

Records: Tampa Spartans (19-0), Lenoir-Rhyne Bears (15-4)

Location: Naimoli Family Athletic Complex || Tampa, FL

HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST QUARTER

The Spartans offense would get started the way they have all season, scoring quickly and with precision. As no other than Colin White would put Tampa on the board first with 12:32 remaining in the first quarter, shortly after a goal from Luke McAnaney would double the Spartans lead. However, Lenoir-Rhyne would score two goals in quick succession to even the score up at two a piece, that would not phase Tampa. As the Spartans would come back with a three goal unanswered run, with the Bears bringing the Spartans lead to within one at the end of this back and forth quarter.

12:32 - Colin White, unassisted

9:20 - Luke McAnaney, assisted by Christian Borodiak

6:20 - Daniel Fitzpatrick, unassisted

5:33 - Nick Papa, unassisted

3:56 - Harry Kilkowsi, unassisted

Score: 5-4 Tampa

SECOND QUARTER

It would not be long before Lenoir-Rhyne would start the second quarter with a goal to even it up at five. It would be a competitive and physical quarter with both teams struggling to find the back of the net, as Daniel Fitzpatrick would help break the deadlock with 7:39 left in the first half. As Lenoir-Rhyne would once again answer right back with a goal of their own. A Charlie Bolesh and White connection would send the Spartans into the locker room with a one goal lead.

7:39 -Daniel Fitzpatrick, unassisted

4:47 - Colin White, assisted by Charlie Bolesh

Score: 7-6 Tampa

THIRD QUARTER

An extra man opportunity would find the Spartans being able to capitalize off of the Bears penalty, as the opening quarter of the second half would be much like the last quarter, as Blake Ulmer would keep Lenoir-Rhyne at bay with multiple incredible saves throughout the third quarter. Both teams would score once more before the fourth and final quarter.

11:38 - Colin White, unassisted

2:11 - Harry Kilkowski, unassisted

Score: 9-7 Tampa

FOURTH QUARTER

Tampa would come out wasting no time getting off to a quick start in the fourth, as a faceoff win by Hunter Turner would lead to a goal by White as Tampa would start the quarter scoring in eight seconds, this would start another three goal unanswered run for the Spartans. Seemingly putting Lenoir-Rhyne out of reach of this game, the Bears would not let up though. As a late push from Lenoir-Rhyne would give the Spartans a scare coming to the end of the game, a huge save from Ulmer would keep the Spartans lead at two. As the Spartans would drain out the clock to ensure a victory.

14:52 - Colin White, assisted by Hunter Turner

14:17 - Luke McAnaney, assisted by Daniel Fitzpatrick

14:02 - Colin White, assisted by Christian Borodiak

8:58 - Cole Willard, assisted by Nick Papa

Score: 13-11 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• This would be Ulmer's fifth 20 save game this season

• White recorded his 14th multiple goal scoring game today

• McAnaney's brace would mark his eighth of the season

• Harry Kilkowski's brace puts his point at 61 on the year

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Tampa would win more ground balls 37-25

• Tampa would outshoot the Bears 42-40

• The Spartans win today increases their win streak to 19 

UP NEXT: The Spartans will return home for the NCAA Semifinals against Limestone next Sunday, May 22nd at 1:00 PM

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