Spartans Hang With #12 Columbus State Before Falling To Late Goal

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (9-5) women's soccer team proved to be more than a pesky opponent for No. 12 Columbus State University (12-1-1) as the Cougars needed a late goal to register a 1-0 victory.

"I am very proud again of the effort the team provided today," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We have once again played a team in the top 15 in the nation and undeservedly lost by a single goal."

The two teams matched each other for the entire contest, with UT holding a 14-13 advantage in shots. The slim margin was also mirrored in Tampa's 7-6 edge in shots on goal.

"With some better communication and composure this could have been a different story as we had some good looks on goal," states Lucey. "We are getting closer to our goal of being back amongst the upper echelon of NCAA soccer. CSU also had their chances but our defense played very well and Leah (Cesanek) had another exceptional day in goal. We will achieve our goals very soon."

Columbus State's Ashton Ziadie capitalized on a corner kick in the 73rd minute as she accounted for the lone goal of the day, giving the victory to the Cougars. Kansas Bayly and Kelsey Bass assisted on the game-winner, which came off a corner kick.

Cesanek started in goal for Tampa, finishing with four saves as her counterpart, Willi Babillis, notched seven for the Cougars.

Luana Miessa accounted for four of Tampa's shots, including two on goal. Samantha Kay, Alexa DellaRocco and Carolyn Simon each added a pair of shots for Lucey's squad.

UT heads to Boca Raton where it will face off against Lynn University on Friday at 3 p.m. in a Sunshine State Conference meeting. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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