TAMPA, Fla. (February 14, 2026) – Rollins women's basketball fell on the road Saturday afternoon, dropping a 78–45 decision to Tampa.
Elaina Kline-Ruminski opened the scoring with a three to start the afternoon. The Spartans answered with a pair of baskets before Kline-Ruminski found the equalizer in the paint. A defensive stop led to a
Victoria Escribano layup to put Rollins ahead as the teams continued to trade scores. Kline-Ruminski added the next stretch of points for the Tars, and
Grace Craig converted at the line to make it 12–10. Tampa reclaimed the lead on a jumper, but
Faith Newton answered to swing it back. Three free throws by the Spartans closed the quarter, giving Tampa a 16–15 edge after one.
Tampa opened the second with consecutive baskets before Escribano converted twice at the line to slow the momentum. Kline-Ruminski added a jumper in the lane to keep the deficit manageable. After a brief scoring lull, Tampa broke through to extend its lead to double digits. Craig trimmed the margin with a basket, and
Claire Erickson knocked down a three late in the half to pull the Tars back within 10 at the break.
Newton traded baskets with the Spartans to begin the third, but Tampa responded with another run. Erickson and Newton each added a point at the stripe, though the Spartans continued to control the pace. A Newton three off an Erickson assist sparked a response, and
Jordyn Egger followed with a triple of her own to keep Rollins within striking distance. Tampa added a late basket to take a 50–34 lead into the fourth.
The Spartans opened the final frame on another push before Newton connected from deep to get the Tars on the board. Another Rollins scoring drought allowed Tampa to stretch the lead past 30. Late threes from
Tara Murray and Newton added to the Tars' total, but the Spartans secured the 78–45 victory.
Newton paced Rollins with 15 points, going 4-for-8 from beyond the arc while also pulling down a team-high six rebounds. Kline-Ruminski added 11, and Erickson contributed six points, three steals, and two assists. Rollins tallied 12 points in the paint and forced 10 Spartan turnovers.
Rollins moves to 7–17 overall and 2–15 in SSC play, while Tampa improves to 16–9 (11–5 SSC). The Tars return home Wednesday, Feb. 18, for a 5:30 p.m. matchup against Barry inside Warden Arena.
