In a thrilling showdown at Roanoke College’s Kerr Stadium, the Tampa Spartans secured their second consecutive Division II women’s lacrosse championship with a 15-9 victory over the Adelphi Panthers. The game saw a strong first half from Tampa, which initially led by seven goals. However, the Panthers made a notable effort to rally in the second half, aided by a goalkeeper change that injected new energy into their game.
Tampa’s Peyton Howell, who was named tournament most outstanding player, shined with four goals, contributing to an impressive total that included eight players scoring. Goalie Savvy Barbosa played a crucial role by registering 15 saves against 30 shots from Adelphi, showcasing her talent throughout the match.
Despite a strong 12-game win streak leading into the championship, Adelphi struggled to find their rhythm initially, with coach Pat McCabe admitting that the first quarter did not reflect their game plan. The switch from starting goalkeeper Madison Marchetta to Jillian McFadden played a pivotal role in improving Adelphi’s performance, as McFadden went on to make 13 saves, demonstrating her ability to adapt under pressure.
The Panthers managed to close the gap in the second half, scoring four unanswered goals led by Ashley Kolomechuk, who finished with three goals. However, Tampa’s early dominance ultimately proved too significant to overcome. With the victory, Tampa celebrated a historic moment, marking both championships in the school’s history by defeating the same opponent.
As coach Kelly Gallagher noted, when Tampa connects effectively, they become a formidable force, likening their momentum to a snowball rolling downhill. This victory exemplifies the importance of starting strong and maintaining composure throughout the match.
Adelphi’s season remains commendable, having reached the final four for the 12th time in 17 appearances, winning a record total of nine championships. Despite the loss, McCabe emphasized the accomplishments and resilience of his squad, urging his team to take pride in their remarkable journey this season.
This final was a remarkable display of talent and determination, and both teams displayed the competitive spirit that makes collegiate lacrosse thrilling. The future looks bright for Tampa as they continue to build on their success, while Adelphi can use this experience as motivation to bounce back next season.