Katherine Hostage, Stephanie deLaforcade Star in Tampa Bay Strikers First-Ever Match
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's soccer program was heavily represented as the Tampa Bay Strikers of the National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) played its first-ever game.
Katherine Hostage registered the first hat trick in franchise history, while Stephanie deLaforcade netted two goals and was named the star of the game. A total of five players with ties to UT played for the Strikers, including alums Gabby Desautels and Lisa Caprara, and Madison Cox, who played her freshman season with the Spartans.
The Strikers played host to the visiting Columbus Rapids, securing a 12-4 victory in the opener. The Strikers are one of two expansion teams for the Indoor Professional League, along with the Central Florida Crusaders out of Orlando. The Strikers and Crusaders join returning teams in Memphis (Americans), Fayetteville (Fury) and Columbus, Ga. (Rapids).
The National Indoor Soccer League was founded in January 2021 by a group of seasoned sports team/league owners with over 50 years of ownership experience. The league features both a Men's and Women's Division, competing in doubleheader game days over a 16-game regular season that takes place between the months of January and April. Current teams include Central FL Crusaders (Orlando), Columbus Rapids (Georgia), Fayetteville Fury, Memphis Americans, Rome Gladiators (Georgia) and Tampa Bay Strikers. The NISL is committed to promoting and supporting our member teams, while providing an avenue for players, coaches, and front office staff to develop their skills and gain exposure for opportunities at higher levels, all while providing high-quality, affordable entertainment in the communities we serve. For more information, go to nislpro.com.