Tampa Falls to No. 13 Nova Southeastern in Conference Play

TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Tampa women's soccer team dropped a 2–0 decision to No. 8 Nova Southeastern on Wednesday night at Pepin Stadium. The result moves the Spartans to 5–4–2 overall and 3–3–1 in Sunshine State Conference play, while the Sharks remain unbeaten at 10–0–3 (4–0–3 SSC).

Inside the Matchup

Final Score: Nova Southeastern 2, Tampa 0
Records: Tampa (5–4–2, 3–3–1 SSC) | Nova Southeastern (10–0–3, 4–0–3 SSC)
Location: Pepin Stadium | Tampa, Fla.

Game Summary

Tampa battled throughout the night against one of the nation's top-ranked teams but was unable to find the breakthrough in the attacking third. Nova Southeastern opened the scoring in the 23rd minute off a strike from Genesis Hernandez, then added a penalty kick goal in the 72nd minute to seal the result.

Goalkeeper Lia Doohan anchored the Spartan defense, registering five saves over 90 minutes of action. Doohan made several key stops in both halves, including a diving effort in the 55th minute to keep the match within reach.

Tara McDonald recorded Tampa's lone shot on goal midway through the first half, forcing a save from NSU keeper Gretchen Duttenhofer. The defensive unit of Lauren Holschauer, Jess Brannon, Kendall Gouner, and Zoe Whiddon absorbed sustained pressure and limited dangerous opportunities in open play.

Despite the result, Tampa showed strong organization and resilience, holding Nova Southeastern to just two goals despite 16 total shot attempts and five corner kicks.

Top Performers

Lia Doohan: 5 saves, 90 minutes played
Tara McDonald: 1 shot on goal
Lauren Holschauer: Full 90 minutes; key defensive positioning
Jess Brannon: Full 90 minutes; steady presence on back line
Kendall Gouner & Zoe Whiddon: Active in defensive support; combined to limit second-half chances