Spartans Squeak Past Saints

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – No. 2 University of Tampa men's lacrosse remain unbeaten on the season, earning a hard-fought 8–7 victory over No. 17 Flagler on Saturday afternoon at the Flagler Lacrosse Field. 

How It Happened

Tampa wasted no time getting on the board, as Jackson Bashaw opened the scoring less than two minutes into the contest with an unassisted strike to give the Spartans the early advantage. Flagler responded with back-to-back goals midway through the quarter to take their only lead of the game, but Tampa answered late in the period. Grant Green evened the score with an unassisted finish before Bashaw struck again in the closing seconds off a feed from Zack Friend, giving the Spartans a 3–2 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Spartans extended their lead early in the second quarter when Eric Burbank capitalized on a man-up opportunity with an unassisted goal. Flagler answered minutes later to cut into the deficit, but Tampa continued to capitalize on its extra-man opportunities. Green delivered his second goal of the game on a man-up conversion, assisted by Bashaw, restoring the Spartans' two-goal cushion. The Saints added a late goal to stay within reach, as Tampa carried a 5–4 advantage into halftime.

Flagler came out of the break and quickly evened the score, but Tampa responded behind its offensive leaders. Tommy Ortega found the back of the net midway through the quarter to restore the Spartans' lead. After Flagler tied the game once again on a man-up opportunity, Tampa answered immediately as Bashaw completed his hat trick off an assist from Rex Kesselring, giving the Spartans a 7–6 lead entering the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, Bashaw delivered once again, scoring his fourth goal of the afternoon with just over 10 minutes remaining to extend Tampa's advantage. Flagler responded with a man-up goal to cut the deficit to one, but the Spartans' defense held firm down the stretch. Tampa controlled possession and limited the Saints' opportunities in the final minutes to secure the 8–7 victory.

Spartan Performances

• Bashaw led all scorers with four goals and one assist, recording his second hat trick of the season.
• Tampa dominated offensively throughout the game, outshooting Flagler 42–21 and placing 21 shots on goal.
• The Spartans also capitalized on extra-man opportunities, converting two man-up goals to maintain their advantage.
• At the faceoff dot, MP Thomas and Ryan Thomas combined to win 12 faceoffs, helping Tampa control possession throughout the contest.
  
  

Up Next: The team returns home for a matchup against Rockhurst on Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m.