Hostage Hat-Trick Leads Tampa to Victory

TAMPA, FL. – The University of Tampa women's soccer team met NCAA Division II regional opponents Alabama-Huntsville, coming away with a 3-0 win in their home opener.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 3, Alabama-Huntsville 0

Records: Tampa 2-1, Alabama-Huntsville 0-1-1

Location: Pepin Stadium || Tampa, FL

All-time series: Tampa won their first ever matchup against the Chargers, making the all time series now 1-2 in favor of the Chargers.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF: The Spartans would put the pressure on the Chargers backline as the whistle blew, not giving Alabama-Huntsville any time with the ball. As Tampa kept the high pressure with their forwards, a stray backwards pass would put the opposing keeper chasing the ball towards her own goal. Katherine Hostage would make sure the ball ended up in the back of the net as she put the Spartans up 1-0 in the 16th minute. A strong defensive line would not budge, as a long ball from the midfield would find the Spartans with a corner. Stephanie DeLaforcade would take the corner, as it found Hostage in the box, doubling the Spartans score shortly after the 18th minute. Score: 2-0 Tampa

SECOND HALF: It would be much of the same throughout the 2nd half, as the Spartans would dominate in all areas of the game. As Alabama-Huntsville still struggled to get into Tampa's final third, the high pressure from Tampa would once again pay dividends, as a bad touch would find the Spartans on the counter attack. As a low cross from Madison McElhone would find Hostage in front of goal with the tap in. Completing her hat trick would put the game out of reach. Final: Tampa 3-0

INSIDE THE STATS:

• The Spartans outshot the Chargers 13-1 in the game.

• Hostage recorded her first college hat trick in todays game

• 11 of Tampa's 13 shots were on target, as Alabama-Huntsville did not record a shot on target

• McElhone and DeLaforcade both recorded an assist, both now have three on the season

• Jackie Morris (2), Hostage (4), and DeLaforcade (2) all recorded multiple shots

• The Spartans had 9 corners compared to the Chargers 0

UP NEXT: Tampa returns home on Sunday as the Spartans will host Minnesota State Moorhead at 11 a.m. at Pepin Stadium.