Defensive Effort Leads Tampa To SSC Finals

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The University of Tampa (14-5) women's soccer team went on the road and handed host Nova Southeastern University (9-6-1) a 2-0 defeat on Friday in the semifinals of the 2010 Sunshine State Conference Tournament.

"The girls were once again fantastic tonight," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "Their commitment to the team is exactly where it needs to be and they are finding depth in attitide and energy on the field. It has been a great season to date and hopefully we can keep our spirit and commitment moving in the right direction."

The Spartan defensive unit held the Sharks without a shot in the first half and broke the deadlock with a Courtney Peffley goal in the 52nd minute.

"We had some exceptional performances tonight against the regular season champions, and to come to their home field and win 2-0 is a testament to our players," says Lucey. "We had top performances all over the field. Our defensive unit of White, Anderson, Palmiotto and Gregorowicz were very solid."

Brittan Spence extended the advantage to 2-0 with another score in the 82nd minute. Peffley played a role in both goals, assisting on Spence's goal on a sent ball from the left side.

Leah Cesanek earned her third consecutive shutout and 10th of her freshman season while finishing with three saves. UT held a 4-3 edge on shots on goal with Nova leading in the shots category, 6-4.

"Leah once again displayed quality in the goal and maturity beyond her freshman years," explains Lucey. "Peffley once again caused numerous problems and Spence and Jolin gave the opposition defense nightmares."

UT will face No. 24 Florida Tech for the SSC tournament championship on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale. The match will begin at 1 p.m. as the Spartans are looking for their fourth SSC tourney title and first since 2007. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

"We still have unfinished business this year and Sunday will be a tough test against the joint conference champions," comments Lucey. "Florida Tech is a quality program that has respect from throughout the nation. It would be a great step forward in beating them and moving ourselves back into the reckoning for NCAA consideration on Monday."

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