Men's Lacrosse Dominates Lions on the Road

SAINT LEO, Fla. – The No. 3 University of Tampa men's lacrosse team delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday night, rolling past No. 16 Saint Leo, 16–4, at the Turf Stadium. With the win, the Spartans improved to 14-1 overall and remained perfect in Sunshine State Conference play at 5-0.

How It Happened

Tampa came out firing in the opening quarter, setting the tone early behind a pair of goals from Rafe Bradshaw. After Saint Leo briefly tied the game at 1–1, the Spartans responded with a three-goal surge, including tallies from Kyle White and Noah Driggs, to take a 4–1 lead into the second.

The Spartans continued to control the pace in the second quarter. Charlie Ruoss and Tommy Ortega each found the back of the net, extending Tampa's lead to 6–2 at halftime while the defense held Saint Leo in check.

Tampa broke the game wide open in the third quarter with a six-goal outburst. Rex Kesselring ignited the run before Jackson Bashaw, Grant Green, and Eric Burbank all contributed during the stretch. Ortega added his second of the night, and Burbank capped the quarter with a late goal to give Tampa a commanding 12–4 advantage heading into the final frame.

The Spartans didn't let up in the fourth, adding four more goals. Aaron Cho opened the scoring before Bashaw netted his second of the night. Connor McDonough and Ethan Tunucci added late finishes to seal the 16–4 victory.

Spartan Performances

• Rafe Bradshaw and Eric Burbank each recorded two goals to lead a balanced Tampa attack.
• Jackson Bashaw and Tommy Ortega also added two goals apiece.
• Aaron Cho orchestrated the offense with three points (1G, 2A).
• Rex Kesselring contributed a goal and an assist while helping spark the third-quarter run.
• Tampa's offense was efficient, totaling 16 goals on 38 shots with 21 shots on goal.
• Defensively, the Spartans held Saint Leo to just four goals on 23 shots while forcing 24 turnovers.
• Tampa controlled possession with 36 ground balls and a strong clearing effort (21-for-22).
• In goal, Westin Schmidt earned the win with six saves, while Kyle Rolley and Charlie Villa combined for two additional saves in relief.

Up Next

Tampa continues its conference slate as the Spartans look to stay unbeaten in SSC play in their next matchup at home versus Lynn on Saturday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m. for Senior Day.