Spartans Defeat SSC Rival Mocs

LAKELAND, Fla. –  An exciting second half saw the Spartans score three goals to defeat the SSC rival, the Moccasins, in a thrilling road game.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 3, Florida Southern 2

Record: Tampa 5-3-1 (4-1 SSC) , Florida Southern 4-5 (1-3 SSC)

Location: Barnett Complex || Lakeland, Fla.

All-time series: UT has won two straight games over the Mocs and leads the series 22-7

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF: This rivalry match was off to a slow start in the first 45 minutes. Tampa's offense was tempered in its attempts to score. There were just two shots on goal by Reni Taiwo (4") and Katherine Hostage (17") both saved by the Moccasins keeper. The Spartan defense was incredibly effective, as Lovisa Camel did not need to defend the Spartan net until there were five minutes left in the half. She would end the half with two saves and the score was 0-0.

SECOND HALF: The beginning of the second half brought about a stark change in the attitude and strategies of both teams. Tampa was increasingly aggressive, with three shots on goal by Quinn Knapp (46"), Brooke Steigerwalt (48"), and Erin McCarthy (60"), all stopped by the Mocs keeper. Florida Southern was the first on the board after a penalty kick went by Camel (61"). They capitalized on this momentum with another goal a few moments later, taking the lead 2-0. However, Tampa's aggression returned and Michelle Kanaskie put Tampa on the board assisted by Hostage (72"). Just two minutes later Elena Barr scored with the help of Jackie Morris. The charge continued with the final goal from Hostage, assisted by Stephanie deLaforcade. The match carried on with the Mocs attempting to edge out the Spartans. With seconds to spare, the Mocs attempted to get one through but were blocked by Camel. The Spartans were victorious as the match ended 3-2. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• The Spartans and the Mocs had seven fouls each.

• The Spartans are ranked #2 in the SSC conference, 2 games behind Palm Beach Atlantic

• Four Spartans had 3 shots each: Barr, Steigerwalt, Hostage, and Madison McElhone.

• Camel had a total of three saves putting her at 37 for the season, a career high. 

UP NEXT: The Spartans will return home to Pepin Stadium to take on the Nova Southeastern University Sharks on Saturday, October 9th at 7 p.m.

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