Spartans Dominate Panthers in SSC Matchup

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team returned to the win column in dominant fashion on Saturday night, defeating No. 18 Florida Tech 17–12 at Naimoli Stadium. The Spartans improved to 7-2 overall and 1-1 in Sunshine State Conference play behind a balanced offensive effort and strong control in the draw circle.

How It Happened
Tampa struck first as Sia Markowski opened the scoring early in the first quarter. After Florida Tech briefly took a 2-1 lead, the Spartans responded with a four-goal run. Peyton Howell ignited the surge with a man-up goal, while Jenna Myhal added back-to-back scores. Howell capped the quarter with her second goal to give Tampa a 5-2 advantage.

The Panthers battled back in the second quarter, using a 4-0 run to tie the game at 6-6 midway through the period. Tampa answered late in the half as Mary Kate Person converted on a man-up opportunity, followed by goals from Josie Bullock and Maddie Szyluk in the final minute to send the Spartans into halftime with a 9-7 lead.

Coming out of the break, Tampa regained full control in the third quarter. Markowski opened the scoring, and after a Florida Tech goal, Howell and Person added back-to-back tallies to extend the lead. Myhal followed with two goals in the final minutes of the quarter, including a man-up score, as Tampa built a 14-9 advantage heading into the fourth.

In the final frame, Florida Tech attempted to close the gap, but the Spartans maintained their composure. Szyluk and Bullock each found the back of the net, and Person added her third goal of the night to secure the 17-12 victory.

Spartan Performances

• Myhal led the Spartans with four goals on a perfect shooting night, while Howell added four points with three goals and one assist.
• Person delivered a standout performance with three goals and four assists, pacing Tampa's offense.
• Markowski and Szyluk each recorded two goals, while Bullock added two goals and controlled five ground balls.
• VanVladricken contributed a goal, and Avila, Cobaugh, and Borges each recorded assists to support the attack.
• In the draw circle, Tampa dominated with a 21-10 advantage, led by Isabella Avila's 13 draw controls, while Szyluk added four.
• Defensively, the Spartans collected 33 ground balls, with Markowski leading the way with six.
• In goal, Payton Boteler earned the win in relief, recording four saves, while Savvy Barbosa added two saves in the opening half.

Up Next
The Spartans will look to carry their momentum forward as they continue Sunshine State Conference play in their upcoming matchup. Their next game is on April 1 at Rollins at 7:30 p.m.