Spartans Blaze Past Valdosta

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (3-2) women's soccer team handed Valdosta State University (4-1) its first loss of the season by a score of 5-1.

"Tonight was a pleasure to watch," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "From start to finish, the girls played some excellent soccer. We are finally playing the type of soccer that we feel is different than other teams."

Jazmin Perry started the Spartan offense by scoring her fourth goal of the season in minute five. The Junior from Worthington, Ohio would go on to finish with two shots on goal and one goal.

Gabby Russo and Brittan Spence also scored in the first half at minutes 21 and 23. Russo, who was assisted by Spence, would finish with three shots on goal and one goal, her third of the season.

"There were many strong performances but our seniors really took the bull by the horns and led the way," states Lucey. "Naturally, Brittan will get the plaudits for her hat trick but her partner up front (Jazmin Perry) was magnificent too. In the midfield Sam and Marta controlled the game. Charlotte made some strong attacking runs and contributed on both ends."

Spence took over the goal scoring for UT in the second half, and was assisted by Alyson Gregorowicz and Charlotte White. She scored goals at minutes 54 and 56, her third and fourth of the season. Spence finished the game with three goals and one assist, marking the third straight game with a Spartan hat trick as Jenny Karl accounted for the last two.

"A special mention to Shannon Walisch, who was a rock at the back," credits Lucey. "Valdosta has had a very strong start to their campaign and I was happy that we could thwart their attack and control the game all the way through. We have a tough game coming up on Sunday against GCSU so our attention will be focused there from practice tomorrow."

During the current three-match winning streak, Tampa has now outscored its opponents by a 25-2 showing.

Tampa will be back in action on Sunday at 10 a.m. as they take on Georgia College.Live stats and a webcast will be available at www.tampaspartans.com.

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