Tampa Advances In NCAA South Regional With Overtime Win

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The No. 17 University of Tampa (16-5) women's soccer team won its opening round game in the NCAA South Regional with a 2-1 overtime triumph over the University of North Alabama (16-4-1).

"Tonight the University of North Alabama proved a very difficult opponent," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We didn't perform to the heights we have the last few games but were strong again defensively and got a man of the match performance from Leah Cesanek. She came up huge for us again today and made some fantastic saves."

The Spartans struck first with a Gabby Jolin goal in the 48th minute. The score came on a long cross from teammate Courtney Peffley. Jolin headed in the goal, which also marked Peffley's team leading 13th goal of the year.

North Alabama evened the slate with a goal in the 76th minute. Julie Osmond scored on a free kick from the right corner as teammate Nikki Brown was credited with the assist.

North Alabama was issued a red card at 84:15 in an altercation in front of the Tampa net. A total of four cards were issued as UNA was forced to play down one for the remainder of the contest.

Just under six minutes into overtime, UT's Brittan Spence connected on her second straight game-winner in the extra period to give the Spartans the victory. Pasquale Anderson flicked the shot into the box as Spence converted for the advancing goal.

"Brittan for the second game running scored the game winner in OT and has been one of the catalysts in our rise," continues Lucey. "Brittan was in the right place at the right time again and gave every ounce of energy in her body."

Leah Cesanek turned in another stellar effort in goal, finishing with nine saves. UNA outshot the Spartans 15-10, including a 10-6 margin in shots on goal. Corner kicks were an even 6-6.

Tampa advances to meet No. 6 and host University of West Florida in the regional semifinals on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. eastern time. Live stats and a webcast are available through www.tampaspartans.com. Just follow the links on the women's soccer schedule.

"We are delighted to reach this stage and are looking forward to a tough encounter with UWF on Sunday," says Lucey.

Fans may also follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans). UT also offers blAst, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register atwww.tampaspartans.com.