Spartans Triumph Over Lions in Lucey’s 100th Victory

Box score

TAMPA, Fla.-The University of Tampa women's soccer team defeated Saint Leo University by a score of 5-2 during Wednesday night's Sunshine State Conference matchup in Pepin Stadium. The victory marks head coach Gerry Lucey's 100th win with the Spartans.

"The girls were fantastic against Saint Leo," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "Our discipline and determination was wonderful and I'm delighted that we were finally able to release some of our power offensively. The front four were dangerous and defensively we stayed strong. At the end of the day, it's just another win but always nice to beat one of your rivals. Saint Leo has a strong group of players that will cause problems for opponents."

The Spartans improve to 14-1-1, 4-1-1 in the SSC, with the Lions dropping to 8-5, 3-2 in conference.

"I'm happy for our seniors to continue another great campaign considering the amount of injuries we've incurred this season," concludes Lucey.

Forward Cici Gonzalez led the Spartans with a hat trick during the contest. An assist from forward Kaley Ward to Gabby Russo put the team up within the first 10 minutes.
Ward registered a second assist off of a corner kick from Russo to Gonzalez to lengthen the Tampa lead to two.

Midfielder Paige Smith finalized the Spartans' first half score from a cross by fellow midfielder Chelsea Martin at 3-0, outshooting the Lions 8-5.

Tampa momentum continued early on in the second half with back-to-back goals by Gonzalez. She completed the rebound by Russo for her second tally and quickly followed suit from assists by Jenny Karl and Martin.

However, the Lions would not roll over easily. Forward Fabienne Schwenk found the back of the net twice within ten minutes of each other, upping the Saint Leo score to two.

Keeper Alyson Gregorowicz collected five saves throughout the evening with the Lions' Abby Evans totaling one.

The Spartans return to action to host Barry University on Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Pepin Stadium. Live stats and a video broadcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.

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