LAKELAND, Fla – The University of Tampa men’s lacrosse team scored five second quarter goals, including three in a 40 second span, while the Spartans defense held the Moccasins to two second half goals, en route to a 12-7 win over Florida Southern Friday night at Bryant Stadium. With the win the Spartans improve to 1-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while the Moccasins fall to 0-1 overall and 0-1 in the DSC.
The Moccasins struck first scoring the first two goals of the contest. The Spartans responded with back-to-back goals from Nick Ferreiro to tie the game 2-2 with 4:22 remaining in the first quarter. Florida Southern responded off the ensuing faceoff, as Dan Krispinsky won the draw and scored a goal to give the Mocs a 3-2 lead after the opening period.
Three minutes into the second quarter, Ryan Becker scored an unassisted goal to tie the game up at 3-3. Ferreiro won the ensuing faceoff, drove the length of the field, and scored to give Tampa a 4-3 lead. The Spartans took advantage of a Moccasins penalty as MJ Lorenzo connected with Joey McMahan in front of the cage for the man-up goal. The two teams traded goals twice to give Tampa a 7-5 lead at the half.
The Spartans defense came out strong in the second half, silencing the Moccasins offense for the first 25 minutes of the half, while forcing 15 turnovers. The trio of Eric Dance, Larry Gress, and Marty Heyn combined nine caused turnovers and six ground balls. Lorenzo scored the lone goal of the quarter to extend the Spartans lead to 8-5.
McMahan led the Spartans offense in the fourth quarter, scoring two goals and assisting two more. Tampa scored three unanswered goals to start the fourth quarter. After a Moccasins goal, McMahan found Kyle Hemrick crossing in front of the cage for the goal. Florida Southern scored a late goal for the 12-7 final.
McMahan finished the game with four goals and three assists, while Ferreior netted three goals. Lorenzo and Greg Griffo each tallied two points. Joseph Fiorucci made 10 saves, including four in the fourth quarter.
The Spartans will return to action next Friday, February 15, in their home opener when they host national power Limestone at 7 p.m. at Pepin Stadium. Live stats and a video webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.
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