Tampa Has Sights on Advancing to Second Consecutive NCAA Semifinal
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa is set to host No. 2 seed Florida Southern for the third time this season at Naimoli.
The Matchup: No. 1 University of Tampa (18-1, 6-1 SSC) vs. No. 2 Florida Southern (18-2, 6-1 SSC)
Date/Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex. 1120 West North A Street, Tampa, FL 33606
Series History: The Spartans and Mocs have already met twice this season, with both meetings coming at Naimoli. Both of Florida Southern's losses this season have come against Tampa by a combined score of 27-21. Although the visitors lead the all-time series with a record of 13-8, the hosts have won the previous four contests and have their eyes set on making it five straight.
About the Spartans: Tampa secured the No. 1 seed, giving the program a first-round bye. Tampa hosted Lynn nearly a week ago and defeated the Fighting Knights, 12-7. Sophi Wrisk leads all Spartans with four playoff goals, while teammate Sarah Engle leads in assists with four. Goalkeeper, Savvy Barbosa registered 14 saves in the win, which tied her career-high for saves in a game and earned her IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week accolades. Tampa has had six different players garner national attention after Isabella Avila, Savvy Barbosa, Grace Gilmore, Peyton Howell, Mary Kate Person, and Lexi Waters were all named IWLCA All-South Region. The program will look to defeat FSC for the third time this season with its sights set on reaching the NCAA Semifinal. The program's most recent win came in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament final, where Tampa hoisted the trophy for the third consecutive year.
About the Moccasins: The Mocs will play at Naimoli for the third time this season. Florida Southern earned the No. 2 seed and played host to Embry-Riddle in the Second Round, as they, like Tampa, had a first-round bye. FSC defeated ERAU in the Second Round, 13-9 at Berend Field. Three players had hat tricks in Giana Murphy, Danielle Mojsej, and Abby McFerren, while McFerren led the team in points with seven. Murphy and McFerren lead the team in goals and assists. FSC comes into the matchup with an overall record of 18-2 with hopes of advancing to the NCAA Semifinal.