Spartans Late Offensive Explosion Earns Them Second Straight Conference Win

TAMPA, Fla. – No.3 Tampa takes down conference foe No.14 Florida Southern at home.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The game began with high intensity, with Tampa getting shots on goal early. The Mocs would open the scoring two minutes into the game. Goalkeeper Luca Mercaldo made a great save early to keep the Spartans within one goal. Mitchell Pfeiffer found Andrew Milani at a tough angle to tie the game at one with just over nine minutes left in the quarter. The Mocs netted another one, but Charlie Bolesh responded quickly after to tie the game once again. Canyon Birch netted back-to-back goals to give Tampa the lead, causing Florida Southern to call a timeout. The Spartans' defense would hold the Mocs scoreless for the last minutes of the quarter.

The second 15 minutes would begin with great defensive play by both teams. It would take almost five minutes for the scoring to begin, with the Mocs netting one. Florida Southern would net consecutive goals to re-take the lead with just under nine minutes left to play before the half. Birch finished off his hat trick to get the Spartans within one of the Mocs late in the quarter. Jackson Bashaw found the back of the net in the final seconds to send Tampa into halftime tied with Florida Southern.

The second half began with an intensity from both teams to regain the lead after the end of the first half. Pfeiffer opened the scoring for the half netting a goal off an assist from Bashaw, putting Tampa back in the lead. Milani connected with Birch in front of the net, where he netted his fourth goal of the game. Bashaw found the back of the net for the second time in the game off a pass from Zack Friend, continuing Tampa's scoring run. The Mocs would get one back with just over five minutes left in the quarter. Florida Southern would find the back of the net once again late in the quarter, cutting the Tampa lead to one heading into the final quarter.

The final 15 minutes began with the teams battling for possession. With back-to-back goals from Nick Papa and a last-second goal from Owen Miller, the Spartans built their lead to three goals. Tampa's late offensive push would prove too much for the Mocs to handle. 

Stat of the Game – Canyon Birch netted his 8^th hat trick of the season, in 10 games.

TAMPA POST-GAME NOTES 

• The Spartans have won seven straight.
• Luca Mercaldo recorded 9 saves.
• Birch led Tampa in goals, with 4.
• Poma led the Spartans in groundballs with 6.
• Seven different Spartans netted at least one goal.
• Matthew Beddow led the game in caused turnovers with 3.

UP NEXT - Tampa opens a two-game road trip on Saturday as they travel to take on Palm Beach Atlantic at 3:00 p.m.