No. 1 Women's Lacrosse Fend off No. 3 Florida Southern in SSC Opener

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team fend off the No. 3 ranked Florida Southern Moccasins in the first game of Sunshine State Conference play.

Tampa has now taken three straight against Florida Southern dating back to April 28, 2024. The two programs are split 5-5 in their last 10 contests.

How It Happened

• Goals were at a premium in today's matchup as both teams battled early on. The first goal did not occur until halfway through the first frame of play. Sarah Engle was able to convert the first goal in the game after a slightly sluggish start for both sides.
• A testament to the defensive play by both sides – there were a combined 18 turnovers between the two squads in just the first quarter alone.
• Despite this, Mekelsey Montgomery was also able to find the back of the net, giving the Spartans a 2-1 advantage after the first frame.
• Tampa found their rhythm quickly into the second frame as three different goal scorers were able to find the net; Peyton Howell tallied two goals in the quarter while Mary Kate Person and Christina Sato each added one as the Spartans would take a 6-3 lead into the break.
• Howell wouldn't take long to continue the offensive rhythm for Tampa as she would score right out of the break, giving her a hattrick on the day and the Spartans a 7-3 advantage.
• A few minutes later, Kaylee VanVladricken would get herself on the board as Tampa looked to pull away from Florida Southern in the second half.
• A trio of Florida Southern goals would keep the Moccasins alive heading into the fourth and final frame of regulation, however the margin would prove to be insurmountable as Tampa would go on to take the match, 12-8.

Spartans Performances

• The Tampa defense would have an impressive day as they caused 11 turnovers; Lexi Waters led with four caused turnovers while also adding five draw controls.
• Grace Gilmore would add two caused turnovers while also recording four groundballs.
• Howell, Engle, and Person would all record hat-tricks.
• Savvy Barbosa would continue her dominant play as she had nine saves on the 17 shots on goal she faced.

Up Next

• After a four-game homestand, the Spartans will head on the road and take on conference opponent Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach.

The contest will be held on March 29 at 4:00 p.m. ET.