Colleges: Spartans can't hold lead against No.9 Rollins

Jazmin Perry and Courtney Peffley gave the University of Tampa an early lead, but the Spartans were unable to maintain their momentum as No.9 Rollins rallied for a 3-2 victory at Cahall-Sandspur Field on Wednesday night.

Perry gave the Spartans the lead in the 16th minute, scoring after Saige Steinmetz’s free kick into the penalty area wasn’t cleared by the Tars defense.

Peffley doubled the lead six minute later, capitalizing on more poor defensive play by Rollins to score her first goal for the Spartans.

"The girl’s played an excellent game again tonight,” Spartans coach Gerry Lucey said. “We were sharp, moved the ball quickly and intelligently.”

Rollins pulled a goal back before halftime, as Joy Powell’s pass found Mellissa Doerk on the right, and Doerk fired her shot into the left corner of the net in the 30th minute.

The game tightened at the beginning of the second half. Tampa’s Brittan Spence forced a save from Rolllins’ goalkeeper Michelle Dillingham, but Rollins tied the game in the 72nd minute as Charlotte Murrell headed home from Ashley Waplinger’s corner.

Rollins then found a game-winner five minutes later as Leah Hirsh’s drive from outside the penalty area gave the Tars victory.

Despite the loss, Lucey was pleased with his young side’s performance.

“We have outshot Rollins 10-8 and given them a fright,” Lucey said. “The team knows how happy I am with their performances and attitude and we just need to be able to finish games out. The future is very bright for these young and talented players."