Spartans Falls to Limestone in Battle of Ranked Teams

GAFFNEY, S.C. -The fourth-ranked University of Tampa went up against one of top teams in the country and came up a little short falling to No. 3 Limestone 8-5 Saturday afternoon at Upper Practice Field. With the win the Saints improve to 9-1 overall, while the Spartans fall to 8-1 overall.

The Spartans won the opening faceoff and on the ensuing possession Brian Patton netted an unassisted goal to give Tampa the 1-0 lead 1:35 into the first quarter. Limestone responded scoring back-to-back goals to take a 2-1 lead after the opening period.

Jake Rooney scored an unassisted goal on Tampa's first possession of the second quarter to even the score at 2-2. After a Saints goal, Conor Whipple found Rooney wrapping around the cage and put a shot past the goalie to tie the game 3-3 with 4:25 left in the first half. Limestone scored twice, including a man-up goal, to take a 5-3 lead into halftime.

Tampa's defense came out strong in the third quarter holding the Limestone attack scoreless on 10 shots in the period. Goalie Andrew Failla made six of his sixteen saves in the third period. The lone goal of the quarter came at the 12:51 mark as Rooney found Whipple in front of the cage for a goal.

Limestone scored back-to-back goals to start the fourth quarter to take a 7-4 lead with 11:58 remaining. Tampa responded minutes later as Bobby Calhoun found Patton for a goal to cut the lead to 7-5 with 9:17 left in the fourth quarter. The Spartans had several opportunities over the next few minutes but were unable to convert them in to goals. Limestone's Todd Nakasuji netted a goal in with two minutes left for the 8-5 final.

Rooney lead the Spartans with two goals and an assist, while Patton netted a pair of goals. Whipple tallied a goal and an assist in the contest.

Jon McGowan lead Tampa with four caused turnovers and picked up three ground balls. Marty Heyn caused a pair of turnovers for the Spartans. Failla 16 saves is a career high and his fifth double-digit save game of the season.

The Spartans will return to action next Wednesday, March 26, when they host Colorado Mesa at 8:00 p.m. at Namoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex. Live stats and a video webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.

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