Tampa Tops Rollins to Advance to NCAA Regional Final

Box score

WINTER PARK, Fla. - The No. 21 University of Tampa (15-3-4) women's soccer team defeated No. 11 Rollins College (12-5-2) by a 1-0 score to earn a spot in the NCAA South Region Finals for the third consecutive season.

"What a fantastic spirit our team displayed today against a very physical and feisty Rollins team," states head coach Gerry Lucey. "We knew we had to match their aggressiveness and hope our quality would be able to sneak a goal."

The teams met for the fourth time of the 2012 season, also coming one week from UT's 4-2 shootout victory to claim the 2012 Sunshine State Conference Tournament championship.

The contest remained scoreless until late, when Spartan senior captain Courtney Peffley connected on the game's lone goal at the 69:20 mark. Gabby Russo and Cici Gonzalez were each credited with assists on the cross.

"The goal itself was a beautiful effort from Courtney (Peffley)," says Lucey. "Cici (Gonzalez) put an incisive ball behind their back line and Gabby (Russo) hit a quality ball fully 30 yards to 'Peffers' who was steaming in at the back post. It wasn't an easy finish but Peff shows great technique and poise in keeping the ball low."

Tampa finished with four shots, including two on goal as Peffley and Gonzalez both had a shot on target. Rollins tallied 10 shots, four on goal, and also held a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks.

UT goalkeeper Kori Butterfield continued her success as she notched her second consecutive shutout. The SSC tournament most outstanding player recorded three saves in a perfect effort.

Peffley also became UT's all-time leader while playing in her 87th career match, passing Samantha Kay. Peffley also tied the mark for career starts at 86. She also ranks in the top-10 in assists (3rd-28), minutes played (3rd-7,050), assists per game (8th-0.32), gaame-winning goals (9th-5) and shots (10th-121).

The Spartans will meet No. 2 West Florida on Friday for the NCAA Division II South Regional title. The game will be played on Friday in Pensacola, Fla., with the winner advancing to the national quarterfinals to face the Southeast Region champion on Sunday.

"We are delighted to be moving forward to the Sweet 16 and can't wait to meet UWF in Pensacola," comments Lucey.

Fans may follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans), Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans), YouTube (youtube.com/utathletics) and Instragram (tampaspartans). UT also offers blAst, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.