Spartans Offense Overpowers Cardinals

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team defeated Wheeling Jesuit University on Wednesday night at the Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex by a score of 18-14. The win improves UT's record to 2-3 and gives the women their second consecutive victory. WJU falls to 0-1 as they begin their 2015 campaign.

The Spartan attack was led by Amanda Voges and Mackenzie Perna, who each netted four goals a piece. Also tallying multiple goals for UT were Emilie Barbosa and Shannon Sweeney, who recorded two goals of their own. Natalie Carraway served as the catalyst for the offensive efforts, dishing out three assists along with putting away a goal of her own. The 18 goal performance Tampa put on was a season high, and third highest in program history.

Jesuit struck first as Kori Hickman scored off an Elizabeth Hales assist, just 30 seconds in to the match. Tampa quickly answered back with a goal of their own from Sophomore Amanda Voges. After the Spartans had tied up the score, they struck again 20 seconds later to pull ahead 2-1. Once Tampa was in the driver's seat, they did not trail again in the contest. Tampa rattled off several strings of goals to take a comfortable 10-7 lead at the half.

Second half action began identically to the first with the Cardinals striking first to open up play. The Spartans answered back quickly with a string of scores to cushion their lead. Jesuit rallied late in the half scoring four goals in the final three minutes of play. The Cardinals late heroics were not enough as the Spartans' commanding lead was too much to overcome.

Tampa out willed, and outhustled their opponent on both the offensive and defensive ends. UT recorded 19 draw controls, 24 ground balls and were 17-24 in clears. When asked about the performance Coach Kelly Gallagher was "pleased with the team's performance overall but felt there was still room for improvement in several areas".

Tampa will be back in action on Friday, as they welcome in Wilmington University. The game is scheduled to start at noon. Live stats, as well as a live video webcast, will be available through www.tampaspartans.tv.

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