Spartans Receive National Attention, Gain Spot In Poll
KANSAS CITY, Kan. - After winning the 2010 Sunshine State Conference tournament championship, The University of Tampa women's soccer team is No. 17 in the NSCAA/HendrickCars.com national rankings. This marks the first ranking of the season for the Spartans.
"It's nice to finally get some recognition," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "The girls have worked so hard this year to earn the right to advance to the NCAA tournament. We have a very difficult region to navigate through but we are confident that we can challenge those around us."
Tampa, who is currently 15-5 on the season, marched through the SSC tournament with victories over Rollins, Nova Southeastern and Florida Tech. The Spartans blanked each of its opponents, winning by a combined score of 4-0. UT enters the NCAA tournament riding a six-match winning streak.
UT's appearance in the top-25 is the program's first since being 24th in the 2009 preseason poll. Tampa has now been ranked for eight consecutive seasons.
The Spartans will meet North Alabama in the opening round of the NCAA tourney, with the winner advancing to face No. 6 West Florida.
"The South region has sent a representative to the NCAA Final Four since 2006 and twice made the championship game," says Lucey. "We know we will have to be at our best to come out of this region. We are ready for the challenge."