Spartans Fall 14-10 in National Semi-Finals

GAFFNEY, S.C. - Bobby Calhoun tallied a season-high three goals and three assists but it wasn't enough as the No.3 University of Tampa fell 14-10 to No. 2 Limestone in the NCAA Division II National Semi-Finals Sunday afternoon at Saints Field. The Spartans finish the season with a program best 16-3 record.

The Spartans struck first as Matt Bilak dodged towards the cage and netted an unassisted goal four minutes into the opening period. Limestone responded scoring four straight goals to take a 4-1 lead with 2:45 remaining in the first quarter. The score remained that way until the final seconds of the quarter as Calhoun dodged towards to cage and found Bilak for a goal to cut the deficit to 4-2 after the opening period.

Nick Ferreiro won the opening faceoff of the second quarter and on the Spartans possession Kyle Hemrick's shot connected with the back of the cage to cut the lead to 4-3. After a Saints goal, Calhoun split two defenders in front of the cage and scored an unassisted goal to cut the deficit to 5-4 with 5:11 remaining in the first half. Two minutes later, Conor Whipple found Ferreiro on the left side of the cage, and he put a shot past the goalie to even the score at 5-5. A minute later, Calhoun found Whipple for a goal to give Tampa a 6-5 lead with 1:55 remaining in the half. Limestone scored a man-up goal to even the score 6-6 at the break.

Limestone (18-1) scored three straight goals to start the third quarter to take a 9-6 lead with 11:46 remaining. Tampa responded as Calhoun split two defenders and bounced a shot past the goalie to cut the deficit to 9-7. On the Spartans next possession Bilak connected with Ferreiro for a goal to cut the lead to 9-8 with 8:06 remaining. Kyle Rhatigan netted a goal for the Saints to give Limestone a 10-8 lead after three periods.

After a Saints goal, Calhoun picked up the rebound, off a Jake Rooney shot, and scored a scored to make the score 11-9. Four minutes later, Calhoun dodged down the right side and connected with Rooney, who tipped the ball into the cage to cut the deficit to 11-10 with 8:09 remaining. Limestone scored three unanswered goals for the 14-10 final.

Bilak finished the game with two goals and an assists, while Ferreiro netted a pair of goals. Nate Tembi led the Spartans picking up five ground balls in the game.

Limestone advances to the NCAA National Championship Game against Long Island Post, who defeated Adelphi 12-9, next Sunday May 25.

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