TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 10 University of Tampa women’s lacrosse team is set to host the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers on Saturday, March 16^th, at 7:30 p.m.

The Matchup: University of Tampa (5-2) vs. University of Alabama-Huntsville (8-0) 
Date/Time: Saturday, March 16^that 7:30 p.m.
Location: Naimoli Family Intramural and Athletic Complex | Tampa, Fla.

Last Time Out: The then No. 11 University of Tampa Spartans defeated the Seton Hill Griffins by a final score of 18-8. In the contest, Tampa newcomer, Kristyn Staley, played lights out for UT accumulating four goals and one assist on the day. Following her efforts on offense was that of junior captain, Claire Swanson who also tallied four goals on the day. Swanson, Caroline Forester, and Alexa Scudillo led the team in draw controls with three apiece. Additionally, Forester earned a hat trick in the game with three goals of her own. The Spartans defense was headed by Scudillo. The Millstone, N.J. native stated four caused turnovers and four ground balls for the Spartans. Senior Abby Coccagnaalso caused the Griffins to turn the ball over on two different occasions. In the contest, Head Coach Kelly Gallagher used three different goalkeepers. Bridget Sutter, Taylor Sisk, and Skylar Martinez all spent time guarding the cage, each recording one save. Due to the Spartans impressive dominating performance, in the latest IWLCA coaches poll that was released on Monday, UT climbed one spot to No. 10. This is the highest rank in program history. 

About the Spartans: Tampa is currently 5-2 overall, 0-0 in the SSC. In 2018 they finished with an overall record of 12-6, marking the best finish in program history. The firsts continued as the season progressed and Tampa battled into the national rankings, climbing as high as No. 15 (3/19/18). When conference accolades were announced, head coach Kelly Gallagher was named the 2018 Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year, while Rachel Crawford, Alexa Scudillo, and Bridget Sutter were named All-SSC first team, and Claire Swanson was named All-SSC second team. Sutter also received the 2018 Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year honor. This season, the Spartans have picked up right where they left off. Now No. 10 according to the latest IWLCA coaches poll. This is the highest ranking for the Spartans in program history. Tampa is lucky to return all of the players listed above in addition to Caroline Forester, who led the Spartans in goals last year with 36, and is currently second in goals on the all-time scoring list for Tampa with 79 goals to her name. Junior Maggie Gladden also returns as one of the Spartans greatest threats. In her junior campaign, Gladden has stated 16 goals, four assists, eight groundballs, two draw controls, and five caused turnovers. Additionally, the program has brought in 10 fresh faces, six freshmen and four transfers. Of the newcomers, offensively, Kristyn Staley and Lizzie Pierpont have made an immediate impact. The two have 17 and 10 goals respectively and are third and sixth on the team in goals this season. On defense, freshman Danielle Waters has stepped up big for UT. Waters is fourth on the team in both groundballs and caused turnovers with 12 and six respectively.  

About the Chargers: The Chargers are currently 8-0 this season, and are off to their best start in program history. Their game against the Spartans is the Chargers first of four games against SSC opponents. Offensively, #9 Nicole Federovitch is by far their greatest threat. Federovitch has 55 points this season, consisting of 37 goals and 18 assists. Following her efforts on offense are those of #7 Sophia Florino and #2 Katie Gerber each with 23 points. Gerber is also the team’s draw control leader, stating 36 this season. The Spartans offense should be aware of #40 Natalie Pachinger on defense. Pachinger has a team high of 21 caused turnovers in addition to leading the team in ground balls with 34. Additionally, the senior out of Ohio is second on the team in draw controls with 27. Finally, the Chargers use #55 Leslie Allen Brown as their primary goalkeeper. Allen Brown has logged almost 470 minutes, 50 saves, and has a goals against average of 5.90 this season. 

Series History (Women’s): The Spartans lead the all-time series with the Chargers 2-0.