#8 Carson-Newman Defeats Tampa In Double Overtime

Box score

COLUMBUS, Ga. - The University of Tampa (3-3-1) women's soccer team suffered a double overtime loss to No. 8 Carson-Newman College (6-1) as the Eagles secured the 1-0 win in the 105th minute.

It was an evenly played regulation as UT outshot the Eagles 8-4, though Carson-Newman held a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks. Tampa headed to overtime with two shots on goal as CNC had three. Samantha Kay accounted for three of Tampa's shots during the first 90 minutes.

The first overtime was scoreless, though Tampa had the lone shot and registered the only corner kicks of the period.

Action heated up in the final overtime as UT was credited with two shots on goal in the opening two minutes of the period. Brittan Spence and Katie LaPorta each recorded a shot, as each were turned away by CNC keeper Lauren MacKenzie.

The Eagles then registered a shot on goal that was saved by Saige Steinmetz, prior to a Jazmin Perry shot for the Spartans in the 103rd minute. Brittan Spence then tallied UT's fourth shot of the second overtime, coming just shy of the 105th minute.

Carson-Newman then collected the game-winner at 105:28 as Trenna Howell scored on a breakaway that landed in the left corner of the goal.

Steinmetz finished with three saves as Kay led the Spartans with three shots. Perry, Tobin and Spence each had two shots as UT outshot the Eagles 13-6 on the afternoon.

"I thought we played very well today," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We challenged every ball, were quick in transition, kept smart possessions and looked to take the initiative. In the end, it was decided by a couple of moments of indecision. We had an unbelievable chance to finish the game with five minutes left in the second overtime but our technical ability really killed us. We had a breakaway dead center and 20 yards out but choked. Within 30 seconds, the ball was in our net due to our inability to deal with a routine ball. It was a cruel way to end an otherwise solid performance but these girls need to not just listen but implement. It's the same message every game and hopefully one day they will wake up and realize the opportunity they have."

"Sunday brings a fresh challenge and another top-10 opponent," adds Lucey. "We try to challenge our players as much as possible to prepare them for the NCAA tournament. If we can tale the lessons from today and apply them to our upcoming games, we should do well."

The Spartans return to action on Sunday as it will meet host and No. 6 Columbus State University at 1 p.m.

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