Spartans Open Conference Play with Win

TAMPA, Fla. - With their lead trimmed to just three points, the Tampa Spartans went on a 19-0 run midway through the second half to lock up a victory in the first conference game of the season. No. 24 UT (10-1, 1-0) defeated Nova Southeastern (3-8, 0-2) by a 62-41 margin to win for the ninth consecutive time, only the fourth time in program history that the Spartans have won nine or more games in a row.

Two Caitlyn Mitryk three-point baskets bookended an impressive drive through the lane by Kym Taylor as the Spartans took an 11-point lead after seeing what had been a 14-point advantage five minutes into the second half dwindle down to just three.

Gianna Messina recorded four of her team-leading 16 rebounds during the Spartan run and also added a three-pointer of her own as Tampa pulled away from the Sharks. She finished the game with 13 points. Mitryk led Tampa with 14 points. Taylor rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10.

The Spartans hit the road for their first Sunshine State Conference game away from the Martinez Center when they travel to Eckerd on Wednesday. Fans may sign up for eScores, a free service that sends text message alerts to fans at the conclusion of Spartan athletic events. Please visit the official athletics website to sign up.