No. 1 Tampa Clinches SSC Three-Peat with Win Over Florida Southern

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 1 ranked University of Tampa women's lacrosse team captured its third consecutive Sunshine State Conference Tournament title—and fourth overall since 2019—with a thrilling 15–13 victory over No. 3 Florida Southern.

How It Happened

• Sophi Wrisk opened the scoring off an assist from Mekelsey Montgomery to put Tampa on the board.

• After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Spartans and Moccasins were tied 3–3 after 15 minutes.

• Tampa struck early in the second quarter, scoring four of the first five goals to build a 7–4 lead.

• Florida Southern closed the half strong, scoring three goals in the final two minutes to take a narrow 9–8 lead into halftime.

• The defending national champion Spartans dominated the third quarter, regaining a 12–10 advantage behind half of Maddie Szyluk's four-goal outing.

• Peyton Howell and Montgomery each converted free-position shots early in the fourth to extend Tampa's lead to 14–10, their largest margin of the game.

• Florida Southern trimmed the deficit to 14–12, but Wrisk added her second goal with under two minutes remaining to seal the victory.

• Tampa capitalized on six free-position goals in seven opportunities and committed four fewer turnovers than Florida Southern.

• Despite being outdrawn 23–9, the Spartans outshot the Moccasins 29–27 and put five more shots on goal.

Spartan Performances

• Howell led all scorers with four goals and two assists, including three free-position goals.

• Szyluk tallied a career-high four goals in her first season wearing the red and black.

• Montgomery recorded two goals and one assist, capitalizing on free-position opportunities.

• Wrisk netted two goals, including the game-sealing score late in the fourth quarter.

• Mary Kate Person added two goals, providing steady offense in the first half.

• Audrey Wisdom and Isabel McGarvey each dished out two assists to fuel the Spartan attack.

• Delaney Stahrr co-led the match with three caused turnovers.

• Defensively, Lexi Waters collected three ground balls and four draw controls, while Isabella Avila added three ground balls, four draw controls, and forced three turnovers.

• Improving to 12–1 on the season, Savvy Barbosa made six saves and picked up four ground balls in the win.

Up Next: The No. 1 Spartans will begin NCAA Tournament play on Thursday, May 8, at 3:00 p.m., as they continue their pursuit of a second national championship.