Spartans Stun No. 2 Bucs, Advance to SSC Finals

Box score MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -

The University of Tampa (13-3-4) women's soccer team defeated No. 2 Barry University (11-1-3) by a final score of 1-1 (5-4 PKs) Friday afternoon in the first Sunshine State Conference semifinal.

The Buccaneers took an early 1-0 lead as Lauren Mann netted the first goal of the match in the 15th minute. Ashley Harlan and Rayah Seckler were each credited with an assist on the score.

At the end of the first half Tampa outshot Barry 6-4 while holding a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks. Lauren Moore notched a team-high two shots in the period while four other Spartans each tallied one.

UT got on the board in the 51st minute as Moore connected on a goal that was assisted by Amber Pennybaker to even the score at 1-1.

At the end of regulation the game remained even at 1-1 with the Spartans maintaining an 11-9 edge in shots.

Both teams were held scoreless in the overtime periods sending the match to penalty kicks. Starting goalkeeper Caroline Frykgard totaled five saves for the Spartans.

Moore led the team in shots with five while Amber Pennybaker and Cici Gonzalez each contributed to the Tampa attack with three shots each.

After each team connected on its first four attempts, UT goalkeeper Sydney Ross came up with a huge save in the final round of the shootout. Chelsea Martin netted the next attempt sending the Spartans into the SSC Finals for the fourth time in five years.

Tampa will return to action Sunday at 1 p.m. to battle No. 10 Rollins as the Tars defeated the Lions of Saint Leo in the second semifinal matchup 3-1. For more information on women's soccer visit www.tampaspartans.com.

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