Spartans Hold On To Top-10 Billing
KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Following a week where the University of Tampa women's soccer team outscored three opponents by a combined score of 23-0, the Spartans are now No. 9 in the nation according to the NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division II poll.
Tampa slid one spot after opening the season at No. 8. Tampa is one of two SSC schools in the top-25 as Rollins College comes in at No. 16. Regional foe West Florida sits at No. 1 as it looks to defend its crown.
Last week, Tampa picked up wins over Warner (2-0), Georgia Southwestern (10-0) and Florida Memorial (11-0). Gabby Russo and Cici Gonzalez each tallied four goals and two assists, as Russo was named the Sunshine State Conference Offensive Player of the Week as she also netted two game-winning goals.
Defensively, the Spartans allowed just one shot in three games and did not give up a shot on goal. Shannon Walisch added four goals and an assist from her defensive spot and was honored as the SSC Defensive Player of the Week.
UT has now been ranked for nine consecutive weeks. Additionally, UT has earned a mention in the poll in a total of 12 seasons, including 11 straight.
The Spartans will face their first test of the 2013 season this weekend when it meets No. 14 Lenoir-Rhyne on Friday at the Columbus State Tournament. Tampa will also meet another quality Division II opponent in Tusculum on Sunday.