Tampa Collects Road Victory Over No. 12 Pace

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – No. 5 University of Tampa women's lacrosse battled back from an early deficit to secure a 16–8 victory over No. 12 Pace University on Monday evening at Northwell Stadium. With the win, the Spartans improve to 4–1 on the season, while the Setters move to 2–2.

How It Happened

Pace struck first in the opening minutes, finding the back of the net at the 13:51 mark before adding a player-up goal less than a minute later to take a quick 2–0 lead.

The Setters continued their early momentum with another unassisted tally midway through the first quarter to push the margin to three. Tampa answered at the 4:45 mark when Peyton Howell finished an unassisted opportunity to put the Spartans on the board.

Pace responded with another goal late in the quarter, but Tampa closed the period with a key score from Josie Bullock in the final seconds to trim the deficit to 4–2 heading into the second quarter.

The Spartans seized control in the second frame. Mary Kate Person opened the scoring with a strong individual effort before adding another unassisted goal just over four minutes later to even the contest at 4–4.

Tampa continued its surge as Kaylee VanVladricken converted on a feed from Person to give the Spartans their first lead of the evening. Person followed with a free-position goal before VanVladricken added another free-position finish, capping a five-goal run that pushed Tampa ahead 7–4 late in the half.

Pace added a goal in the closing seconds of the period, but the Spartans carried a 7–5 advantage into halftime.

Tampa extended its lead early in the third quarter as Person connected with Howell before Sia Markowski converted on a player-up free-position opportunity. Jill Cobaugh then finished a feed from Howell in transition before Person added another unassisted tally to stretch the Spartans' lead to 11–5.

Pace answered with a player-up goal midway through the frame, but Person responded with another player-up finish late in the quarter to give Tampa a 12–6 advantage entering the final period.

The Spartans continued to dictate play in the fourth quarter. Alexa Borges opened the scoring with a free-position goal before Audrey Kahoun added another tally off an assist from Markowski to extend the lead.

After Pace converted on a player-up opportunity late in the period, Tampa answered quickly as Person found Howell for a goal to maintain control. Pace added a final goal in the closing seconds, but the Spartans secured the 16–8 victory.

Spartan Performances

• Person led the offensive effort with seven goals and two assists, recording a nine-point performance to pace the Spartans.
• Howell added two goals and three assists, contributing on multiple scoring runs throughout the game.
• VanVladricken scored twice, while Cobaugh, Bullock, Kahoun, Markowski, and Borges each added a goal to round out the Tampa attack.
• In the draw circle, Isabella Avila led the Spartans with seven draw controls, while Markowski added four and Kierstyn Zinter collected three as Tampa secured a 19–6 advantage.
• Defensively, the Spartans recorded seven caused turnovers and collected 16 ground balls, with Markowski contributing two ground balls and Avila adding two caused turnovers.
• In goal, Savvy Barbosa played all 60 minutes and recorded 11 saves to earn the victory.

Up Next

The Spartans will return home later this week as they continue their nonconference slate.