Spartans Earn Road Victory To Begin SSC Play

Box score

SAINT LEO, Fla. - The University of Tampa (6-1) women's soccer team scored a late goal to secure a 1-0 victory over Saint Leo University (3-3) in its Sunshine State Conference opener.

"This was a very difficult fixture to open up our SSC schedule," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We had to battle our way to the win against a tough opponent. We were very happy with the girls attitude and application."

Samantha Kay's goal in the 62nd minute was the lone score of the game. The junior's second goal of the season marked her first game-winner of the year. Dana Palmiotto assisted the goal. The Spartans finished the evening with 10 shots, five on goal.

"This was a true team performance and the girls have proven that they have the necessary fight to win these tight games," says Lucey. "This was our fourth win by a single goal this year. It was also nice to see a set play work for us finally. We will need to improve if we want to be a force in the conference and achieve our team goals."

Freshman goalkeeper Leah Cesanek was spectacular for the Spartans, turning away six Lion shots to notch her third shutout of the season.

"We have a young team and are delighted with how things have gone to date," explains Lucey. "It's still a long road ahead and many tough opponents to face both in conference and regionally. A great start and now we move onto face another foe in Barry University."

The Spartans will now head to Miami Shores for a meeting with SSC opponent Barry (5-2) on Sunday. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

"Barry has had a strong start to the season and have scored a lot of goals," says Lucey. "We will need to be at our best on Sunday afternoon to get a positive result."

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