Spartans Are National Championship Bound Following Victory Over Regis

WINTER PARK, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team advances to the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship following a comeback victory over Regis.

HOW IT HAPPENED

In the opening five minutes of the first quarter, Regis captured an early lead as they scored three consecutive goals. At the 9:38 mark, Tampa would add one to the scoreboard with an unassisted goal by graduate midfielder Allie Peebles. A minute late, Ranger Shea Murphy tacked on another goal, but Tampa quickly responded as Spartan Peyton Howell found the back of the net, cutting Regis' lead in half. Following a penalty issued to Peebles, Regis capitalized on the man-up opportunity to score again. However, Tampa wasn't done yet as Gracie Colombo netted her first goal before the quarter ended, leaving Tampa trailing 5-3. The senior attacker carried this momentum into the second quarter, scoring another goal in the early minutes. At the 12:03 mark, Isabella Avila passed to Sarah Hinkle, who scored the equalizer for Tampa. With the score tied at 5-5, Regis responded with a four-goal run to regain the lead. However, the Spartans fought back with three consectuive goals, including Gracie Colombo's third goal, making her the first Spartan to earn a hat trick. Trailing by two, Howell neeted an unassisted goal, marking her eighth hat trick this season. With 10 seconds left on the clock, Hinkle would yet again score the equalizer off a Riley McGettigan pass, leveling the score at 10-10. 

In the third quarter, both teams were eager to find scoring opportunities to take the lead. It would not be until the 9:57 mark when Gracie Colombo scored a man-up goal, giving Tampa the lead for the first time in the match. Although Ranger Bailey Truex tied the score with a goal, Hinkle regained the lead for the Spartans with a goal set up by McGettigan. With a one-goal advantage, Cece Colombo converted on a free position attempt to extend Tampa's lead. Howell would add to the scoreboad with her fourth goal of the game before the end of the quarter, giving the Spartans a 14-11 lead. However, Tampa's lead was still under threat as Regis scored back-to-back goals in the final quarter. With their lead narrowed to just one goal, Jenna Myhal and Sophi Wrisk helped futher extend Tampa's advantage by each netting unassisted goals. Regis continued to apply pressure offensively,  scoring twice more and narrowing the gap to 16-15. At the 2:49 mark, Georgia Glowaki added a crucial goal for the Spartans as she would score from the free position spot. As the game clock ticked down, Regis' chances of advancing began to fade. Although Ranger Murphy would score, the game was already in the hands of Tampa. 

Stat of the Game – Georgia Glowaki netted the decisive goal of the match, securing the win and marking her 22nd goal of the season.

TAMPA POST-GAME NOTES 

• The Spartans advance to the championship of the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time in program history. 
• Alex Walling recorded a total of 8 saves. 
• Three Spartans recorded a hat trick in tonight's match. 
• Tampa caused 2 turnovers and won 20 groundballs.  

UP NEXT – The University of Tampa Spartans are set to face Adelphi in the National Championship on Saturday at noon in Winter Park, Florida.