College Women's Matchday: Tampa at Nova Southeastern

WHEN: Friday, 6 p.m., NSU Soccer Complex

NEED TO KNOW: After completing an arduous non-conference schedule with a 1-0 win against Georgia College and State, the Spartans open Sunshine State Conference play against a Nova Southeastern team that enters the game on a three-game losing streak.

Included in that run are two conference losses, to Lynn and Florida Southern, and defeat in the Sharks’ last game against West Florida. Nova Southeastern last won on Sept. 16 with a 3-0 victory against Palm Beach Atlantic.

The young Spartans have had an up-and-down season so far, maybe best evidenced in their 4-2 loss to Armstrong Atlantic. There, Tampa took a 2-0 lead within the first six minutes, but were unable to hold off the Pirates, who rallied to take the lead before halftime. Coach Gerry Lucey will likely be looking for the more controlled game the Spartans played against GCAS, where they dominated shots on goal 17-7, and goalkeeper Saige Steinmetz had to make only two saves for her second shutout of the season.