Nova Southeastern Defeats Tampa In SSC Opener

Box score

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The University of Tampa (4-6-1, 0-1 SSC) women's soccer team nearly came back from a two goal deficit before dropping a 3-2 decision to Nova Southeastern University (5-4, 2-2 SSC) in its Sunshine State Conference opener.

The Sharks took a 2-0 lead following a pair of goals just under 20 minutes into the match. In the 14th minute, Elizabeth Brauher scored unassisted as Alexis Hernandez added the second goal of the evening from Aubrey Fondey and Brauher at 19:57.

UT's Jazmin Perry cut the NSU lead in half when she scored at 31:48 on a one-on-one with the keeper. Perry's goal was unassisted as Nova carried a 2-1 lead to intermission.

Nova stretched its lead to 3-1 as Kesiah Wattley scored an unassisted goal in the 58th minute. Tampa then stayed within striking distance with a goal from Caroline Spencer just two minutes later. Samantha Kay and Sara Kneeland assisted Spencer's goal.

Tampa held a commanding advantage in shots with 17 while holding Nova to seven. UT also edged the Sharks 6-4 on shots on goal. Saige Steinmetz started in goal for the Spartans, registering one save in 90 minutes of play.

UT returns home where it will host Lynn University on Saturday at noon. The match will be a homecoming for the Spartans, who have played their past five matches on the road.

Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may sign up for eScores to receive free text message alerts following all UT events. UT athletics can also be found on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans).