Upset Bid Falls Short For Spartans

Box score

WINTER PARK, Fla. - A valiant effort from The University of Tampa (6-9-1, 2-4 SSC) women's soccer team was nearly enough to pull an upset of No. 9 Rollins College (11-1-2, 5-0-1 SSC) as the Tars pulled out a 3-2 victory over the youthful Spartans.

"The girl's played an excellent game again tonight," says head coach Gerry Lucey. We were sharp, moved the ball quickly and intelligently. I am very proud of this group and how close we are to the nation's top teams."

It took just over 21 minutes for Tampa to grab a 2-0 lead as it held the advantage for the 71-plus minutes during the match. Jazmin Perry got the scoring started on a free kick from midfield that was bounced in the box from Saige Steinmetz. The goal took place in the 16th minute.

The Spartans took the two-goal lead at 21:31 when freshman Courtney Peffley connected on her first collegiate goal on a direct throw from UT's Charlotte White. Rollins responded with a goal from Melissa Doerk at 29:23 from Joy Powell as UT took a 2-1 lead to intermission.

After just over 26 minutes of scoreless play in the second half, Rollins knotted the score in the 71st minute on a score from Charlotte Murrell. The header was off a corner from Ashley Waplinger. Five minutes later the Tars netted the eventual game-winner on an unassisted goal from Leah Hirsch (76:15).

"For long periods we outplayed the No. 9 team in the nation and should have been able to get another win," says Lucey. "To come into their house and take the game to them shows us the character and quality this very young team possesses."

Tampa held the overall advantage in shots as it outshot the Tars 10-8 for the match. UT held a 7-3 margin in the first half as the teams both finished with five shots on goal apiece. The Spartans were in the defensive zone of the nation's No. 9 team on several occasions while outpacing the Tars in corner kicks, 8-4.

"We have outshot Rollins 10-8 and given them a fright," states Lucey. "The team knows how happy I am with their performances and attitude and we just need to be able to finish games out. The future is very bright for these young and talented players."

Kendall Bourdon started in goal for the Spartans and collected two saves in 90 minutes of play. Peffley led Tampa in shots with three while Perry and Megan Tobin each had two.

The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday in Melbourne as it meets No. 17 Florida Tech. The game will begin at 1 p.m.

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