Spartans Prevail in Shootout to Advance in NCAA Tournament

Box score

WINTER PARK, Fla. - The No. 18 University of Tampa (15-3-2) women's soccer team played to a 1-1 tie through 110 minutes of play against Barry University (12-4-3), and advanced following a 3-2 shootout victory.

"The girls were fantastic tonight," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "I am so proud of the effort and attitude after we were beaten by Barry just a couple of weeks ago. It was a well deserved win and I'm delighted for the seniors in prolonging their careers. Alyson (Gregorowicz) has stepped into her role as a GK and sacrificed her senior year to benefit the team. For her to make two saves in the PK's was massive. She deservedly received the plaudits after coming up big."

The No. 3 seed Spartans advance in the NCAA South Regional, as the Bucs were the No. 6 seed at the Rollins site.

The Buccaneers took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute as Lauren Manna converted on a penalty kick that was awarded. The game would remain 1-0 in favor of the Bucs when UT's Cici Gonzalez netted a penalty kick goal in the 83rd minute.

The game would remain tied at the end of regulation, followed a pair of scoreless overtime periods.

"Barry has had a fantastic season and have given us three tough games," says Lucey. "We knew their strengths and tried hard to neutralize their better players."

Tampa held a decisive advantage in nearly all categories, outshooting Barry by an 18-5 differential. Shots on goal were also heavily tilted in UT's direction at 7-2. Gonzalez and Megan Comeau each finished with a team-high five shots for Tampa.

Alyson Gregorowicz played all 110 minutes in goal as the senior came away with a save.

In the shootout, Tampa scored on its first three chances with Cina Salemi, Gonzalez and Kaley Ward coming through for head coach Gerry Lucey's squad. Barry was in a quick hole as it opened the shootout with a miss and also came away empty on its third and fifth attempts.

"Barry has had a fantastic season and have given us three tough games," says Lucey. "We knew their strengths and tried hard to neutralize their better players."

While advancing, this marks the fourth consecutive season where UT has moved past the first round in the NCAA tournament.

The Spartans will now face host and No. 2-seed Rollins College on Sunday at 1 p.m., in Winter Park. Live stats and a video webcast will be available, courtesy of Rollins. Fans may find the links through the women's soccer schedule on TampaSpartans.com.

"We will enjoy the victory and then our thoughts will turn to Rollins," states Lucey. "We have played them once this year and lost. Hopefully we will rested and ready for Sunday."

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