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TAMPA, Fla. (October 28, 2010) - In their third consecutive overtime contest, the seventh-ranked Rollins women's soccer team was unable to come out on top, surrendering a shot in the final minute and a half of double-overtime to the University of Tampa Spartans on Thursday evening at Pepin Stadium.
University of Tampa junior Samantha Kay ripped a rocket of a shot towards the goal in the 109th minute, squeaking the strike past the fingertips of Rollins goalkeeper Michelle Dillingham for the Spartans' only shot on frame all contest.
"We played some good soccer at times at tonight, but couldn't create enough quality in the final third of the field," said head coach Patrick Baker. "The game seemed destined for a tie, and yet a series of incidents allowed their midfielder to score a terrific game winner."
Both teams concluded the game with seven shots and one shot on frame in the entire 109 minute showdown. Rollins was unable to capitalize on their opportunities in the box while Tampa got the most out of their lone look between the posts. Despite the final score, Rollins was able to utilize some shining moments of play in the midfield and defensive areas of the pitch.
"I'm proud of how we are trying to play, especially in our commitment to defend," Baker added. "I feel for our young ladies in that we aren't putting the ball in the back of the net. I take responsibility for tonight's loss, and feel our preparation through training let us down tonight. That is on me as the head coach. Moving into tournament play next week, I will not let our standards drop. We face one of the best teams in the country in less than 48 hours when we host our last home game and take on Armstrong Atlantic. But we will have to shake off tonight's result pick ourselves up pretty quickly tomorrow. The quality of our team will shine through in these next few days, and I feel we will be better for this experience in the long run."
Rollins (9-3-2, 4-2-2 SSC) now awaits the final Sunshine State Conference standings, to be determined after the final conference games on Saturday, October 30. While the Tars closed out their SSC regular season campaign against Tampa (12-5-0, 5-3-0 SSC), four more teams still need to conclude their conference slate, with Nova Southeastern playing at Saint Leo, and Florida Southern squaring off against Florida Tech in Melbourne, Fla.
The Tars host No. 3 Armstrong Atlantic State University in their final game of the regular season on Saturday, October 30. Kickoff against the Pirates is set for 7 p.m. at Barker Family Stadium and Cahall-Sandspur Field. Fans will be able to catch all of the action live on the Tars Sports Network at RollinsSports.com.
ROLLINS Women's Soccer
