Tampa Opens NCAA Tournament Action with Shutout Win

Box score

WINTER PARK, Fla. - For the third straight season, the No. 21 University of Tampa (14-3-4) women's soccer team opened NCAA Tournament play with a victory, topping Barry University (7-7-2) by a 1-0 score.

"The team played very well tonight against a strong Barry team," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "I'm delighted that we get the opportunity to move forward to play Rollins again on Sunday."

The match was part of the NCAA Division II South Regional, which was at the Rollins College site. The win moves UT to Sunday's regional semifinal with the winner earning a spot against the winner of the University of West Florida site for the South Region title.

"Barry plays a similar style to ourselves and like to keep the ball on the ground when possible and play possession," states Lucey. "We were able to break up their rhythm and control the majority of the game. With some better finishing we could've made this game more comfortable than it ended."

Leading scorer Lauren Moore gave the Spartans the only scoring they needed as the SSC Player of the Year connected on her 18th goal of the year. The score came at 17:53 on a header off a cross from teammate Courtney Peffley, who was credited with the assist.

"Lauren (Moore) once again proved to be the difference and was set up by a great assist from Courtney (Peffley)," comments Lucey. "Lauren found some separation from her defender and headed the ball past the Barry keeper."The victory was nothing short of dominant as UT outshot Barry by a 17-6 tally. The Spartans also held a 7-1 advantage in shots on goal and took 11 corner kicks compared to just one by the Buccaneers.

Moore finished with a team-high eight shots, four on target. Gabby Russo added four shots while Candice Shields, Cina Salemi, Peffley, Jenny Karl and Jess Frank were each credited with one apiece.

Kori Butterfield notched her eighth shutout of the season as the junior keeper finished with one save.

The victory sets the stage for a Sunday matchup with host and No. 11 Rollins College, who the Spartans defeated 4-2 in a shootout last Sunday to capture the 2012 Sunshine State Conference Tournament title following a 1-1 tie.

"We get less than 48 hours recovery and have to face a rested Rollins side," says Lucey. "In saying that, we did the same last year and were able to come out victorious."

Live stats and a webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.com.

"Once again, I am very proud of these girls and the effort they put into the game," concludes Lucey.

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