Spartans Fall Short Against Buccaneers in SSC Play

Box score

TAMPA, Fla.-The No. 13 University of Tampa women's soccer team suffered a 3-0 Sunshine State Conference loss to Barry University on Saturday night in Pepin Stadium.

"Congrats to a very strong Barry team," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "They thoroughly deserved their win here tonight and were quality from start to finish. No doubt the best team in the SSC this year and have potential to go far in the NCAA too."

The Spartans fall to 14-2-1, 4-2-1 in SSC play, while the Buccaneers improve to 11-3-1, 6-0-1 in the conference.

Physical play held both teams scoreless to start off the match.

After 30 minutes of play, Barry jumped on the board when forward Lavinia Nkomo found the back of the net assisted by Chelsea Stogeckigt. Keeper Alyson Gregorowicz dove for the shot, but was unable to capture the ball.

A corner kick by midfielder Chelsea Martin sparked the offense to register back-to-back shots one each by defender Emily Jones and midfielder Cina Salemi to conclude the half.

Late in the second half, Barry added a goal by Lauren Manna off the pass from Nkomo to widen their lead. Tamara Vuckovich finalized the Buccaneers' score with a goal off a free kick.

The Spartans were unable to capitalize their eight total shots and three shots on goal throughout the game.

"We were very poor and second best in every area," states Lucey. "Our lack of depth really caught up with us tonight and obviously the numerous season-ending injuries took their toll. Take nothing away from Barry. I'm happy for Denise and her program."

Tampa returns to action hosting Florida Southern for senior night on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at Pepin Stadium to conclude the 2013 regular season. Live stats and a video broadcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.

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