Mocs Edge Spartans in Lakeland

LAKELAND, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team battled No. 2 Florida Southern in a Sunshine State Conference matchup on Saturday afternoon, but a late fourth-quarter surge by the Moccasins handed the Spartans a 12–10 setback at Berend Field.

With the loss, Tampa moves to 8-3 overall and 2-2 in SSC play, while Florida Southern improves to 12-1 (4-0 SSC).

How It Happened

Tampa struck first just 39 seconds into the game, as Josie Bullock converted a man-up opportunity to give the Spartans an early 1-0 lead. Florida Southern responded quickly, and the teams traded goals throughout the opening quarter. Mary Kate Person's free-position goal gave Tampa a brief advantage, but the Moccasins closed the frame with two late scores to take a 4-3 lead.

Florida Southern extended its lead early in the second quarter, scoring back-to-back goals to go up 6-3. Tampa answered with a strong response, as Alexa Borges, Audrey Kahoun, and Maddie Szyluk each found the back of the net to even the score at 6-6 heading into halftime.

The Spartans carried that momentum into the third quarter, putting together a 4-1 run. Bullock and Peyton Howell connected on back-to-back goals, while Jenna Myhal added two scores to give Tampa its largest lead of the afternoon at 10-7.

However, the fourth quarter belonged to Florida Southern. The Moccasins scored four unanswered goals in a decisive stretch, regaining the lead and holding Tampa scoreless over the final 15 minutes to secure the 12-10 victory.

Spartan Performances

• Jenna Myhal led the Spartans with two goals and an assist, playing a key role in Tampa's third-quarter surge.
• Peyton Howell added two goals on four shots, continuing her consistent offensive production.
• Josie Bullock contributed two goals and an assist, including the game's opening tally.
• Mary Kate Person, Audrey Kahoun, Alexa Borges, and Maddie Szyluk each added a goal in the balanced scoring effort.
• In the draw circle, Person led the way with seven draw controls, while Isabella Avila added three.
• Defensively, Tampa recorded 11 ground balls and forced 11 turnovers, with Avila contributing three caused turnovers.
• In goal, Payton Boteler started the contest, while Savvy Barbosa recorded seven saves in relief over 45 minutes of action.

Up Next

The Spartans will look to bounce back in Tampa as the program will take on Saint Leo at 5:00 p.m. on April 8. The game will serve as "Your Game Your Cause".