Reigning National Champs Open Season in Dominant Fashion

HARROGATE, Tenn. – The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion on Friday evening, defeating Lincoln Memorial 25–1 on the road.

How It Happened

Tampa set the tone early, striking just 1:28 into the game when Isabel McGarvey found the back of the cage to open the 2026 campaign. Mary Kate Person followed moments later with an unassisted finish before the Spartans capitalized on their first player-up opportunity, as Peyton Howell connected with Josie Bullock to make it 3–0.

Howell continued to control the pace offensively, scoring back-to-back goals midway through the quarter and assisting on another Bullock tally as Tampa built separation. Maddie Szyluk and Grace Lichtenberger added goals less than a minute apart during a rapid scoring stretch, and Howell completed her first-quarter hat trick before Bullock and McGarvey closed the period with late finishes. The Spartans outshot Lincoln Memorial 16–0 in the opening frame and carried an 11–0 lead into the second.

Lincoln Memorial broke through at the 13:45 mark of the second quarter, but Tampa immediately regained momentum. McGarvey responded with consecutive goals, while Sarah Bette and Szyluk converted on player-up chances to extend the margin. Carrie Clausius added a goal in the closing minutes, and McGarvey capped her five-goal performance with her fourth score of the half to send the Spartans into the break ahead 16–1.

The Spartans maintained control after halftime, continuing to dictate possession through strong draw work and defensive pressure. McGarvey opened the third-quarter scoring with another player-up strike, and Person followed with three goals — including a pair of unassisted efforts — as Tampa pushed the lead to 20–1 entering the final period.

Tampa's depth was on display in the fourth quarter, with five different Spartans scoring. Audrey Wisdom netted a player-up goal early, Lichtenberger added her second of the night off an assist from Kailen Mant, and Bullock recorded her fourth goal. Taylor Bergey joined the scoring column before Sia Markowski finished off the game with a late goal assisted by Alexa Borges to secure the 25–1 victory.

Spartan Performances

• McGarvey led all scorers with five goals and two assists on eight shots on goal.
• Person and Bullock each recorded four goals, while Howell finished with three goals and two assists.
• Lichtenberger added two goals, and Szyluk contributed two scores of her own.
• Zinter controlled the draw circle with a game-high 10 draw controls, helping Tampa dominate possession with a 25–2 advantage.
• Defensively, the Spartans limited Lincoln Memorial to just five shots on the night.
• Bergey, Clausius, and Bette each tallied their first career goals.

Up Next: Tampa will return to action next week as the Spartans will take on the Greyhounds on February 14 at Key Stadium/Kiesel Field.