Colleges: Kneeland gives Tampa women late victory

Sara Kneeland scored with just under 10 minutes to play to give the University of Tampa women their first Sunshine State Conference victory of the season with a 2-1 win against Lynn on Sunday afternoon.

Kneeland scored in the 82nd minute, turning in the rebound after her initial shot had been pushed onto the post by Lynn goalkeeper Kelsey Butler. It was Kneeland’s fifth of the season.

Tampa (5-6-1, 1-1-0 SSC) had taken the lead just after halftime, Megan Tobin converting from the penalty spot after Brittan Spence had been brought down in the penalty area. The Fighting Knights (6-5-0, 1-2-0) hit back in the 62nd minute, when Brittany Evernden found Melissa Ortiz in with a cross, and Ortiz headed home.

The win was a welcome boost for the Spartans, who had lost 3-2 to Nova Southeastern in their SSC opener on Friday. They will now face Florida Southern this coming Friday at 5 p.m. at Pepin-Rood Stadium.