#4 West Chester Holds Off #14 Tampa

Box score

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - The No. 4 West Chester University (2-0) women's soccer team played to a 2-0 victory over No. 14 University of Tampa (0-2) in an early-season matchup between a pair of nationally ranked squads.

"Obviously two disappointing results for us this weekend," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We were the better team in both games but defensive lapses decided our fate. Our possession and movement was pretty good and we dominated West Chester University in the first half. They took advantage though our second half mistakes and we found it difficult to cope with the bumpy fields and long grass up north."

The Golden Rams scored in the 55th and 61st minutes, marking the lone scores of the contest. Tara Malkiewicz netted the game winner on a ball assisted by Cara Deola while Dana Hunt tallied the second WCU score.

The match was evenly played in both shots and shots on goal, with each team registering seven and four respectively in each category. Brittan Spence, Samantha Kay and Marta Bertsos each had two shots apiece for UT, as Bertsos was also credited with two shots on goal.

Freshman Emelie Karström played the entire contest in goal for the Spartans, finishing with a pair of saves.

"Our players understand they have the squad to do something special this year so we need to get back on track," says Lucey. "I'm confident that they will respond strongly and get our season back on track."

The Spartans return to action on Friday as it hosts Webber International University in its 2011 home-opener from Pepin Stadium. The game will begin at 7 p.m. UT will offer live stats and a webcast through www.tampaspartans.com.

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