Spartans Run Past Bears

HICKORY, N.C. - The sixth ranked University of Tampa Spartans concluded their Carolina road trip as they face off against the Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears on Saturday afternoon. 

Final: Tampa 19, Lenoir-Rhyne 6

Records: Tampa (3-0), Lenoir-Rhyne (1-2)

Location: Hickory, N.C. | Moretz Stadium

All-time Series: The Spartans and Bears are tied in the series history with two wins each. 

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HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

The Spartans opened the game up wtith the first two goals as Carly Vaccaro and Cece Colombo each scored within the first two minutes of the game. The Bears would bounce back scoring the next two of three goals to put the game at 3-2 in favor of the Spartans with 25 minutes left in the game. Following that, the Spartans would go on a run over the remainder of the half, as they scored 11 of the next 12 goals as they headed into the half with a 14-3 lead. 

Second Half

UT would continue the game in the second half as they scored the first three goals of the second half to go up 16-4. The Bears would respond by scoring the next two goals, but that would be the last time the Spartan defense would allow a goal as they shutout the Bears over the final 13 minutes. The Tampa offense would also finish the game out by scoring the final three goals of the game. 

Inside the Stats

• Claire Swanson led the Spartans as she totaled eight points, scoring five goals and dishing out three assists. 

• Swanson would also finish with a game-high nine draw controls. 

• Carly Vaccaro and Cece Colombo would each add four goals in the victory. 

• Between the pipes, Bridget Sutter would earn her third victory of the season as she picked up 10 saves on 16 shots faced. 

• As a team UT won 18 draw controls, while LRU won eight. 

• Tampa would outshoot Lenoir-Rhyne 33-23.

Up Next: The Spartans will be back at home next Tuesday as they host Lindenwood University. The game is set to begin at noon at Naimoli Stadium. 

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