Tampa Claims Second Straight SSC Tournament Championship

Box score

ST. LEO, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's soccer program left St. Leo University with another piece of hardware for its already colossal collection of championship trophy case as the Spartans defeated No. 11 Rollins College by a 2-0 mark to capture the 2011 Sunshine State Conference women's soccer tournament championship.

"What a way to end a fantastic week of soccer at UT," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "I can't give enough credit to our incredible senior class who have given blood, sweat and tears to our program. I am so proud and honored to be a part of their lives and to witness their drive and enthusiasm for success. All six seniors have played a massive role this week in bringing us to success again in the SSC post season. We play a very difficult schedule to prepare ourselves for post season play and it has paid dividends once again. This is a very difficult conference to win and we have shown the mental fortitude to do it once more."

This marks the second consecutive postseason league title for the Spartans, who have now captured a league-record five tourney crowns.

In a game dominated by a stellar display of defense by the Spartans, head coach Gerry Lucey's squad scored a pair of second-half goals to reward its effort of stopping the Rollins attack. Tampa held the Tars without a shot on goal for the entire 90 minutes, as UT had five on target.

"Today was no different than Friday in that we had to win our individual battles and fight tooth and nail for any advantage," comments Lucey. "Rollins has been our most difficult opponent all year and had only let in four goals all season for a reason. They have a very strong defense and midfield. Alicia and Andy have both brought Rollins along leaps and bounds this year and are owed a lot of credit."

Junior Courtney Peffley sunk a 65th minute goal, which would ultimately go down as the game-winner. The score came off a deflected ball and broke a scoreless affair.

Tampa would add a late goal to put the match out of reach as freshman Lauren Moore notched her third point in as many games off a corner kick by teammate Marta Bertsos. The second Spartan goal came as a header at the 83:04 mark.

"Getting back to today, we knew we had to keep Rollins offense in reign and by not allowing a single shot on target we achieved that," states Lucey. "It was always going to be a day of whoever scores first will win. Fortunately we did that again. Megan Lawrence did very well to spin off her defender and swing in a dangerous cross. It was blocked into the path of Marta Bertsos who's shot was spilled to an onrushing Courtney Peffley who gratefully notched her first of the year. Our second had a touch of fortune too as Marta's corner was parried into the path of Lauren Moore who made no mistake with her header."

Sophomore goalkeeper Emelie Karstrom notched her seventh shutout of the season as she played the entire contest in goal. In two SSC games, the keeper allowed just one goal in 180 minutes of play en route to being name the top performer for the SSC tournament.

"Whatever happens next weekend we are very proud of what this team has achieved and look forward to the rest of the season with anticipation," saYS Lucey.

Tampa will now await word on the location and opponent in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The South Regional is scheduled to begin on Friday, followed by Sunday's regional quarterfinal. Please visit www.tampaspartans.com for complete NCAA tournament information on UT women's soccer.

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2011 SSC Women's Soccer All-Tournament Team
Azure Dorsey, Rollins
Ann-Marie Helgastad, Florida Tech
Allie Holly, Rollins
Chrissy Hy, Nova Southeastern
Lauren Impey, Lynn
Megan Lawrence, Tampa
Lauren Moore, Tampa
Courtney Peffley, Tampa
Pia Soesemann, St. Leo
Ashley Waplinger, Rollins

Most Outstanding Player: Emelie Karstrom, Tampa