Despite Comeback Attempt, Tampa Falls Shy in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team dropped a hard-fought road contest to No. 5 University of Indianapolis, 10–6, on Saturday morning at Key Stadium. Despite outshooting the Greyhounds and mounting a strong second-half comeback attempt, the Spartans move to 1–1 on the season.

How It Happened

Indianapolis opened the scoring just 19 seconds into the contest, as Reese Fahlke found the back of the cage to give the Greyhounds an early advantage. Tampa responded midway through the quarter when Kaylee VanVladricken capitalized on a free-position opportunity, finishing calmly to even the score at 1–1. The Greyhounds, however, regained control late in the period, converting on a player-up opportunity before adding another unassisted finish to close the quarter with a 3–1 lead.

The second quarter saw Indianapolis build separation, scoring four unanswered goals to extend their lead. The Greyhounds capitalized on multiple Tampa penalties, converting twice on player-up chances while maintaining possession through strong draw control play. Tampa's defense worked to limit additional damage, with goalkeeper Savvy Barbosa recording key saves to keep the Spartans within reach, but Indianapolis carried a 7–1 advantage into halftime.

Coming out of the break, Tampa showed the resilience that has defined the program's championship pedigree. Peyton Howell found Sia Markowski on a player-up opportunity to open the Spartans' second-half scoring, igniting a four-goal surge. Mary Kate Person converted a free-position shot moments later, followed by another free-position finish from Grace Lichtenberger to trim the deficit. Tampa continued to apply pressure offensively, as Person added her second goal of the game on another player-up opportunity, assisted by Alexa Borges. The Spartans outscored Indianapolis 4–1 in the third quarter, cutting the margin to 8–5 and shifting momentum entering the final period.

In the fourth quarter, Tampa continued to generate scoring opportunities as Lichtenberger netted her second goal of the game off a feed from Person, bringing the Spartans within three. The Greyhounds responded with a late insurance goal to halt Tampa's momentum, and despite continued offensive pressure and defensive stops from goalkeeper Payton Boteler, Indianapolis held on for the 10–6 victory.

Spartan Performances

• Person and Lichtenberger led the Spartans offensively with two goals each, while Person also added an assist to finish with a team-high three points.
• Markowski and VanVladricken each added a goal.
• Tampa finished with a 25–21 shot advantage and holding a slight edge in draw controls 10–9.
• Isabella Avila led the Spartans with four draw controls, while Markowski added three draw wins and three ground balls to support both ends of the field.
• Defensively, Tampa forced 18 Indianapolis turnovers and collected 16 ground balls. 
  

Up Next: Tampa will face Scottland National on Thursday, February 19 at 12:00 p.m. at Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex.