Women's Lacrosse Returns Home Hosting Seton Hill

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 11 University of Tampa women's lacrosse team is set to host the Seton Hill Griffins on Saturday, March 9^th, at noon.

 The Matchup: University of Tampa (4-2) vs. Seton Hill (1-2) 

 Date/Time: Saturday, March 9^that 12:00 p.m.

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

Last Time Out: The No. 11 University of Tampa Spartans defeated the Colorado-Colorado Springs Mountain Lions by a final score of 16-4. In the contest, Kayla Kosubinsky powered the Spartans offense with three goals and one assist, followed by newcomer Kristyn Staley who also stated three goals. Defensively, Abby Coccagna, Claire Swanson, and Erin Sistek led the Spartans with three, two, and two caused turnovers respectively. Swanson also led the Spartans in draw control wins with six, in addition to netting one goal of her own. Bridget Sutter and Taylor Sisk split time in the cage for Tampa. They each recorded three saves on five shots. 

About the Spartans: Tampa is currently 4-2 overall, 0-0 in the SSC. 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, the Spartans have picked up right where they left off. Tampa is lucky to return all of the players listed above in addition to Caroline Forester, who led the Spartans in goals last year with 36, and is currently second in goals on the all-time scoring list for Tampa with 79 goals to her name. Junior Maggie Gladden also returns as one of the Spartans greatest threats. In her junior campaign, Gladden has stated 14 goals, four assists, seven groundballs, two draw controls, and five caused turnovers. Additionally, the program has brought in 10 fresh faces, six freshmen and four transfers. Of the newcomers, offensively, Kristyn Staley and Lizzie Pierpont have made an immediate impact. The two have 13 and nine goals respectively and are fourth and sixth on the team in goals this season. On defense, freshman Danielle Waters has stepped up big for UT. Waters is third on the team in both groundballs and caused turnovers with 10 and six respectively.  

About the Griffins: The Griffins are currently 1-2 this season, with their two losses coming from SSC foes, No. 3 Florida Southern, and Saint Leo. Mackenzie Kilduff leads the Griffins offense with 12 goals and two assists. Following her efforts are those of #3 Keagan Pontious with eight goals and two assists and #23 Jaclyn Frank with four goals and nine assists. Defensively, SHU is led by #21 Emma Haley who has stated seven caused turnovers and six ground balls. Haley also leads the team in draw controls with 30 on the season. The Griffins primary goalkeeper is #29 Hailey Jacobs. Jacobs has tallied 19 saves, a save percentage of 36.5% and a goals against average of 12.84.

Series History (Women's): The Spartans and Griffins are tied in the all-time series 1-1.