via Tampa press release

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 7 ranked University of Tampa women’s lacrosse team hosted the Lynn University Fighting Knights. The Spartans defense led the way for Tampa’s fifth victory of the year.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: #7 Tampa 17, Lynn 6

Records: Tampa 5-1 (4-1 SSC), Lynn 1-3 (1-3 SSC)

Location: Naimoli Family Athletic Complex | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF

Lizzie Pierpont scored the opening goal of the game (assisted by Cece Colombo), jumpstarting a Spartan attack the scored three goals in the first three minutes of the game. Genie Santarpio, Tampa’s leading goal scorer, scored the Spartans next two goals at 28:14 (assisted by Cece Colombo) and in a solo effort on the free position shot at 26:46. Lynn answered at 25:14 to make the score 3-1 Tampa.

The Pierpont and Cece Colombo show continued, as Cece Colombo scored on the woman-down for a 4-1 Tampa lead. Emma McLoughlin added her fifth goal of the season, 5-1 Tampa, followed by Pierpont’s second at the 16:11 mark. Lynn scored once more, 6-2 Tampa. Santarpio netted another, assisted by Pierpont, and Cece Colombo followed shortly thereafter for an 8-2 Spartans lead with 14:02 left. Lynn scored the next two goals to trim Tampa’s lead to four, 8-4 Tampa at the 8:46 minute.

Lauren McNeill (assisted by Cece Colombo) and Olivia Mott (assisted by McNeill) closed the first half with two final goals. Score: 10-4 Tampa

SECOND HALF

Lynn opened the scoring to start the second frame. Tampa then scored the next six goals:

• 23:28 – Santarpio, woman-up, assisted by Cece Colombo.
• 22:23 – Santarpio on the free position shot.
• 20:33 – Sarah Hinkle on the free position shot.
• 20:10 – Emma McLoughlin on the free position shot.
• 16:25 – Kayla Brennan scored her first career goal, unassisted.
• 14:40 – Hannah Bush again on the free position shot.

Lynn scored once more, and McNeill (assisted by Cece Colombo) netted her second of the game. Score: 17-6 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Genie Santarpio scored five goals in the game, increasing her team-leading goal total to 15 on the season.
• Cece Colombo, Tampa’s point leader, enjoyed a seven-point performance on the day, increasing her season point total to 26 (10G, 16A).
• Emma McLoughlin, Lauren McNeill, and Lizzie Pierpont each scored two goals apiece.
• Freshman Kayla Brennan scored her first career goal.
• Olivia Mott scored her eighth goal of the year, tied for third-best on the squad.
• Bridget Sutter earned her second win of the year behind a seven save performance on 13 shots.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• The Spartans defense has only allowed double-digit goals scored in two of six games on the year.

UP NEXT: The Spartans travel to St. Leo, Fla., to take on the Saint Leo University Lions. Coverage begins at 7:00 p.m.

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