Undefeated Tampa Aims to Keep Streak Alive Against No. 23 Mercy

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 1-ranked University of Tampa women's lacrosse team returns to action hosting No. 23 Mercy in what will be their fifth matchup against a nationally ranked program this season.

The Matchup: No. 1 University of Tampa (7-0, 0-0 SSC) vs. No. 23 Mercy (3-2, 0-0 ECC)

Date/Time: Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Location: Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex. 1120 West North A Street, Tampa, FL 33606

Series History: The Spartans and Mavericks first met in 2016 and did not face off again until the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Tampa has won every matchup, but the average margin of victory remains just two goals.

About the Spartans: The University of Tampa Lady Spartans are coming off a 16-11 statement win over No. 7 Indianapolis. Tampa is currently ranked No. 1 nationally in the IWLCA Poll as well as USA Lacrosse Magazine's ranking and has won 18 consecutive games dating back to its national championship run last season. Peyton Howell actively leads the team with 38 points, coming from 29 goals and 9 assists. Sarah Engle continues to lead the team with 32 goals, as well as the entire Sunshine State Conference with 5.33 per game. Additionally, Sophi Wrisk has 27 goals as she and the Spartans above sit at No. 2, 3, and 4, respectively, in the conference. Alternatively, Isabella Avila has a team-high 15 caused turnovers, 5 of which came against UIndy, setting a new career-high for her. Tampa's meeting against Mercy marks the Spartans' fifth match against a nationally ranked opponent, with many more still left on the schedule.

About the Mavericks: The Mercy University women's lacrosse Mavericks currently hold a 3-2 record as the No. 23 team in the country, having faced 4 top-25 teams with their only losses coming from No. 6 Adelphi and No. 18 Bentley. Last season, the Mavericks finished with a 9-10 record (One of the losses being from Tampa) and fell in their East Coast Conference final and were subsequently picked to finish second in this season's preseason poll. Mavericks' standout, Lindsey Shimborske, was named USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason First Team All-American, IWLCA Division II Defensive Player of the Week, and ECC Defensive Player of the Week, as well as being the reigning back-to-back ECC Defensive Player of the Year.