TAMPA WINS NCAA DII WOMEN’S SOCCER TITLE
After 110 scoreless minutes, the Tampa women's soccer team outlasted Franklin Pierce 3-1 in a penalty kick shootout to claim the program's first national championship on Saturday in Orange Beach, Ala.
Shelby Kuni, Megan Tobin, and Ashley Flateland converted their kicks to lift the Spartans to victory. Senior goalkeeper Shannon Aitken made two saves and stopped three of the Ravens' PK attempts to help preserve the win. Tampa concludes its spectacular campaign with a 20-2-3 record.
The Spartans' title marks the 68th national championship won by an SSC member institution.
In semifinal action on November 29, UT posted a 2-1 win over previously-unbeaten Grand Valley State to head to the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship match.
Marissa Bernard and Marissa Mohammed netted goals for the Spartans, who avenged a semifinal loss to Grand Valley State in last year's semifinals. UT netted both of its goals in the first half, and after allowing a quick Laker goal in the second period, held on for victory.
In the NCAA quarterfinal match on Sunday, November 18, Marissa Bernard and Shelby Kuni netted the Spartans' non-penalty kick goals. Courtney Evans, Megan Tobin, and Ashley Flateland converted PK goals to give Tampa the victory in the shootout.
Tampa defeated Montevallo 2-0 on Friday, November 16, to claim the South Region Championship. Shelby Kuni and Ashley Flateland scored Tampa's goals, while Courtney Evans assisted on both.
For a complete championship bracket, click here.