April 1, 2026
Tampa Nets Twelfth Win on the Season
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's lacrosse team continued its dominant season with a convincing 12–5 road victory over Palm Beach Atlantic on Wednesday evening. The Spartans improved to 12-1 overall, using a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive effort to control the game from start to finish.
How It Happened
Palm Beach Atlantic struck first just under a minute into the contest, but Tampa quickly responded as Eric Burbank found the back of the net off an assist from Aaron Cho to even the score. The Spartans took control late in the first quarter behind back-to-back goals from Rex Kesselring, including one off a feed from Cho, to take a 3-1 lead.
Tampa extended its advantage in the second quarter as Kesselring completed his hat trick early in the frame. After PBA cut into the deficit, the Spartans responded with three consecutive goals from Tommy Ortega, Jackson Bashaw, and Cho to carry a 7-2 lead into halftime.
Out of the break, Tampa continued to dictate play. Grant Green opened the scoring in the third quarter before Bashaw and Zach Johnson added goals to extend the lead. Green capped his two-goal performance late in the period, helping the Spartans build an 11-4 advantage heading into the final frame.
In the fourth quarter, Connor McDonough added the Spartans' final goal off an assist from Burbank. Tampa's defense held firm down the stretch, allowing just one goal in the period to secure the 12-5 victory.
Spartan Performances
- Kesselring led the Spartans with a hat trick and added an assist, pacing Tampa's offense with four points.
- Burbank and Cho each recorded three points, with Burbank tallying one goal and two assists, while Cho added a goal and two assists.
- Bashaw and Green each contributed two goals, while Ortega, Johnson, and McDonough also found the back of the net to round out Tampa's scoring.
- At the faceoff X, MP Thomas and Ryan Thomas combined to win 11 of 20 draws, helping Tampa maintain possession throughout the game.
- Defensively, the Spartans collected 32 ground balls and forced 20 turnovers, limiting Palm Beach Atlantic to just five goals on 27 shots.
In goal, Westin Schmidt earned the win, recording nine saves while anchoring a strong defensive performance.
Up Next
Tampa will look to carry its momentum forward as the Spartans continue Sunshine State Conference play in their upcoming matchup at home on saturday night at 7:00 p.m. versus Rollins.
