WINTER PARK, Fla. – Rollins women's soccer used a three-goal first half to power past Tampa in its Sunshine State Conference opener on Saturday night.
The Tars earned the first corner of the night after a strong effort from
Harmoni Thomas on a long ball. The Spartans answered on the next possession, earning a corner of their own on the other end. Both sides traded possession through the opening minutes, finding opportunities on crosses and throw-ins but coming up empty.
Rollins finally broke through in the 26th minute after earning a free kick into the box. The ball bounced around in traffic before
Chloe Milton stepped in, using one touch to send it into the top left corner and put the Tars on the board.
The momentum stayed with Rollins as
Sophia Harutunian connected on a corner delivery from
Allie Adams, heading the ball into the back of the net to double the advantage.
The Tars weren't finished. Rollins quickly won back possession and earned another free kick near midfield. Harutunian sent the ensuing delivery toward goal, forcing a deflection from the Tampa keeper that fell to the feet of
Gianna Babusci. The junior tapped it home for the first goal of her collegiate career, giving Rollins a 3-0 advantage in the 36th minute.
The Tars carried that lead into halftime before
Gabby Boyd registered the first shot of the second half to keep the pressure on the Tampa defense.
The Spartans began to find an offensive rhythm as the half progressed, putting three shots on target, but
Lauren Mehos turned away all three. The Rollins defense held firm as Tampa's attack grew more urgent, with the Spartans earning seven more corners over the course of the half.
Tampa continued to push in the closing minutes, adding to its shot total and creating opportunities from set pieces. Another attempt on goal was handled by Mehos as the Tars continued to preserve the clean sheet.
Rollins saw out the remaining minutes to secure the 3-0 victory and open conference play with a win.
The Tars improve to 4-2 on the season and 1-0 in SSC play. Rollins will return to action on Saturday, September 19 at 6:00 pm when they travel to West Palm Beach to take on Palm Beach Atlantic.
