Tampa Welcomes Saint Leo for a Mid Week Showdown
The No. 6 Spartans will host the Lions on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
TAMPA, Fla. – The _ University of Tampa women's lacrosse team is set to host the Saint Leo Lions on Wednesday, April 17that 7:30 p.m.
The Matchup: No. 6 University of Tampa (10-3, SSC 3-1) vs. Saint Leo University (13-2, SSC 2-2)
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 17that 7:30 p.m.
Location: Naimoli Family Intramural and Athletic Complex | Tampa, Fla.
Last Time Out: The University of Tampa Spartans dominated the Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish by a final score of 23-5. In the contest, junior captain Claire Swanson had a whopping five goals for UT, followed by Caroline Forester with four while Kristyn Staley and Carly Vaccaro each netted three. Defensively, senior Sarah Bell and freshman Danielle Waters each stated two caused turnovers. Bell also led the Spartans in ground balls with four. Bridget Sutter and Taylor Sisk each recorded time guarding the goal. Sutter faced six shots stating three saves, while Sisk also faced six shots recording four saves.
About the Spartans: Tampa is currently 10-3 overall, 3-1 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. Now No. 6, according to the latest IWLCA coaches poll. 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 100 goals to her name. Junior Maggie Gladden also returns as one of the Spartans greatest threats. In her junior campaign, Gladden has stated 27 goals, seven assists, 17 groundballs, three draw controls, and eight 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 30 and 14 goals respectively and are fourth and seventh 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 groundballs and fourth in caused turnovers with 25 and 13 respectively.
About the Lions: The Saint Leo University Lions have an overall record of 13-2, and are 2-2 in the Sunshine State Conference. Offensively, the Lions are led by #2 Leslie Ferguson and #1 Janee DeLuca, who have 65 and 62 points respectively. Ferguson's points consist of 49 goals and 16 assists, while DeLuca's consist of 43 goals and 19 assists. On the draw, #10 Ashley Salvett, #21 Delaney Chrisco, and #15 Sarah Pierson are likely to earn the stats. The three have 49, 44, and 38 wins respectively. Salvett and Chrisco also lead SLU's defensive stats. Salvett has tallied 29 caused turnovers and 45 ground balls, while Chrisco has tallied 31 caused turnovers and 50 groundballs. As goalkeeper, the Lions will probably start by using #30 Erin Davis. Davis has faced 188 shots this season and has recorded 71 saves. Her goals against average is 8.14.
Series History (Women's): The Spartans led the all-time series over the Lions 3-2.