Spartans Reel in Sailfish

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The 10^th ranked University of Tampa Spartans hit the road for the first time in the 2021 season, as they traveled down south to West Palm Beach to take on the Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish. The two teams would battle but the Spartans were able to head back home with a perfect record. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: #10 Tampa 18, PBA 12

Records: Tampa (3-0, 2-0 SSC), PBA (0-1, 0-1 SSC)

Location: PBA Lacrosse Field | West Palm Beach, Fla

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF

The Sailfish got the game started with the first goal about 2:30 into the half. Following the PBA goal, UT would score the next two goals as Cece Colombo and Lauren McNiel found the back of the net. The Tampa lead would be short lived, as Palm Beach Atlantic would tie the game back up at two apiece. The two SSC foes would trade goals back and forth as the teams would be tied at four, halfway through the half. UT was able to gain control of the game as they would net the three goals giving them a 7-4 lead. The Spartans would add another three goals after that to take the lead into the break. || UT 10, PBA 5

SECOND HALF

Following the break, the Sailfish would be first on the board to pull within four goals of the Spartans. UT would then go on a 4-0 run, as Genie Santarpio would score three of the four points. After Palm Beach Atlantic answered back with two goals, Tampa would shut the door with three more goals, extending their lead to 17-8 with 11:26 left to play. PBA would attempt one final comeback, scoring the next four goals, but it would prove to be too late as UT claimed their third win of the season. || UT 18, PBA 12

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Genie Santarpio was the leading scorer for Tampa, as she scored five goals on five shot attempts.
• Santarpio would also pick up a game-high six draw controls.
• Olivia Mott would record a hat trick scoring four goals.
• Lauren McNiel would also score three goals on three shot attempts.
• Cece Colombo and Alexa Scudillo would each cause two turnovers in the win.
• Bridget Sutter earned the victory for Tampa.

BEYOND THE BOX

• Tampa is now 3-0 against Palm Beach Atlantic
• UT has scored double-digit goals in each game so far this season.

UP NEXT: Tampa is back at home next Wednesday, as they will host Florida Southern in a top 10 battle at Naimoli Field.

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