Spartans Fall Short on the Road in SSC Opener

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team fell in a tightly contested road matchup against No. 8 Lynn, 14–13, on Wednesday afternoon. Despite a strong second-quarter surge and dominant draw control performance, the Spartans were unable to hold off a late push from the Fighting Knights.

How It Happened

Lynn opened the contest with momentum, scoring the first four goals of the game to take an early 4–0 lead. Tampa broke through late in the first quarter with a free-position goal from Jenna Myhal to cut the deficit to 4–1 heading into the second.

The Spartans responded with a dominant second quarter, outscoring Lynn 8–3 to take control of the game. Josie Bullock sparked the run with a pair of goals, while Jill Cobaugh added a man-up score. Sarah Bette contributed two goals in the quarter, and Mary Kate Person and Peyton Howell each found the back of the net. Tampa capitalized on offensive efficiency and strong draw control work to carry a 9–7 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, Tampa extended its lead early in the third quarter as Person connected off an assist from Isabella Avila to make it 10–7. However, Lynn answered with a decisive 5–0 run, regaining the lead at 12–10 behind a flurry of offensive production.

In the fourth quarter, Lynn added another goal to stretch its lead before Tampa mounted a late comeback. Person converted on a free-position opportunity, and Howell followed with a goal to bring the Spartans within one. After Lynn responded, Maddie Szyluk scored a man-up goal off a Howell assist to make it 14–13 with just over three minutes remaining. Tampa pushed for the equalizer in the closing minutes but was unable to capitalize, as Lynn held on for the narrow victory.

Spartan Performances

• Howell led the Spartans with three goals and one assist, continuing to pace the offense.
• Person added three goals and two assists, playing a key role in Tampa's second-quarter surge.
• Bullock recorded two goals, while Bette also finished with two goals on efficient shooting.
• Szyluk contributed one goal and two assists, including the late fourth-quarter score.
• In the draw circle, Tampa dominated with a 23–6 advantage, led by Isabella Avila and Kierstyn Zinter with seven draw controls each. Szyluk added five draw controls to support possession efforts.
• Defensively, Katie DeShan led with three ground balls, while Avila contributed three caused turnovers in a strong all-around performance.

Up Next

The Spartans will look to bounce back as they continue Sunshine State Conference play at home on Saturday versus Florida Tech at 8:00 p.m.