Tampa Women's Lacrosse is Set to Host Queens in Home Opener

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 19 University of Tampa women's lacrosse team is set to host the Queens University Royals on Saturday, February 16^th, at 1:00 p.m.

The Matchup: University of Tampa (0-1) vs. Queens University (0-0) 

Date/Time: Saturday, February 16^that 1:00 p.m.

Location: Naimoli Family Intramural and Athletic Complex | Tampa, Fla.

Last Time Out: The No. 19 University of Tampa Spartans were defeated by the No. 9 Rollins College Tars by a final score of 21-16. In the contest, junior Claire Swanson and newcomer Kristyn Staley, led the Spartans offense, each earning four goals and one assist. Senior veteran, Rachel Crawford, also played a valuable role in Tampa's offense, stating three goals and four assists, while Carly Vaccaro netted three goals of her own. In addition to her outstanding offensive performance, Swanson also led the team in draw controls with nine, and caused turnovers with three. Defensively for the Spartans, Alexa Scudillo, picked up right where she left off in 2018. Scudilloearned three caused turnovers, picked up two ground balls, and had one draw control win in the showdown. Bridget Suttersuited up as the team's starting goalkeeper. Against the Tars, she faced 18 shots and recorded seven saves. Taylor Sisk then entered the game and logged four saves on 14 shots. 

About the Spartans: Tampa is currently 0-1 overall, as their game against the Tars was the first of the season. In 2018 they finished with an overall record of 12-6, marking the best finish in program history. The firsts continued as the season progressed and Tampa battled into the national rankings, climbing as high as No. 15 (3/19/18). When conference accolades were announced, head coach Kelly Gallagher was named the 2018 Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year, while Rachel Crawford, Alexa Scudillo, and Bridget Sutter were named All-SSC first team, and Claire Swanson was named All-SSC second team. Sutter also received the 2018 Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year honor. This season, Tampa is lucky to return all of these players in addition to three more of their lead scorers from 2018, Caroline Forester, Kayla Kosubinsky, and Maggie Gladden. Additionally, the program has brought in 10 fresh faces, six freshmen and four transfers. 

About the Royals: Saturday's game against the Spartans marks the Royals first game of the 2019 season. The biggest offensive threats for the Royals are #28 Hanna Scott, #1 Katie Wardle, #2 Allison Conn, and #32 Ally Blood. Last season, Wardle led the team in points with 79, consisting of 45 goals and 34 assists. Following her efforts, were those of Scott who tallied 78 points (49 goals and 29 assists). The Royals also return their starting goalkeeper, Chase Brokaw, who recorded 129 saves and had a goals against average of 9.79. 

Series History (Women's): The Spartans have never defeated the Royals in program history. Queens leads the all-time series against Tampa 5-0.  

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.