Second Quarter Offense Propels Spartans to 15-11 Win in Season Opener

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The University of Tampa men's lacrosse team had four players score a combined five second quarter goals, en route to a 15-11 win over Queens University Saturday afternoon at Queens Athletic Complex. With the win the Spartans improve to 1-0 overall, while the Royals fall to 0-1 overall.

The Spartans struck first as Jake Rooney scored an unassisted goal five minutes into the contest. The Royals responded with back-to-back goals to give Queens a 2-1 advantage. Minutes later, Tampa scored three straight goals in a ten second span, including two from Conor Whipple, to put the Spartans on top 4-2 with 6:39 remaining in the opening period. Queens scored two of the next three goals to cut deficit to 5-4 after the first quarter.

Two minutes into the second quarter, Matt Bilak scored an unassisted goal to extend the Spartans lead to 6-4. After the two team traded goals, Brian Patton, M.J. Lorenzo, and Rooney each netted a goal to give Tampa the 10-5 advantage at the break.

The Spartans came out strong in the second half, led by Nick Ferreiro and Andrew Failla. Ferreiro won all five of the faceoffs in the period, while Failla recorded five of his eleven saves in the third period. Mike Morris and Whipple each netted a goal on the Spartans first two passion of the half to extend Tampa's led to 12-5. After a Royal's goal, Rooney scored an unassisted goal to give Tampa a 13-6 lead.

Queens struck first in the fourth quarter Matthew Michael found Evan Farkas for the goal. Minutes later, Rooney found Kyle Hemrick for the man-up goal to give the Spartans the 14-7 lead with 5:09 remaining. The Royals scored four of the final five goals of the contest for the 15-11 final.

Rooney finished the game with five goals and an assist, while Whipple netted three goals. Ferriero ended the game wining 21 of 22 faceoffs, while dishing out three assist.

With the win today, the Spartans remain undefeated, 3-0, in season openers.

The Spartans will return to action next Friday, February 14, in their home opener when they host national power New York Tech at 7:30 p.m. at Namoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex. Live stats and a video webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.

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