CLEARWATER, Florida. - The Spartans scored 23 goals this weekend to top the Bulls’ 5. Spartans swept the Battle of the Bay with 2 wins and now hold a +82 goal differential on the season.

INSIDE THE MATCHUPS:

GAME 1 (Clearwater Ice Arena | Clearwater, FL):

The Spartans started the game on fire scoring early on. The opening frame set the tone for the whole game. Freshman Lleyton Buscher scored the opening goal to get the ball rolling for the Spartans. Freshman defenseman Sean Joyce scored his first career goal on a rocket from the point. Tampa ended the first period up 5-1. Spartans did not stop piling on in the second period, helping to push their goal differential even further positive. The third period was not filled with as much scoring for the Spartans but they still controlled possession. Sophomore goaltender Will DeCaro had a solid showing in the net helping the Spartans add their 7th straight to the win column.

Final: Tampa 12, USF 3

GAME 2 (Advent Health Center | Wesley Chapel, FL):

Tampa started the game sluggish and was tied with the Bulls 1-1 after the first period. Freshman Ryan Murphy scored Tampa’s only goal in the first period. Tampa’s defensemen were the spark that the Spartans’ offense needed in the second period. Sophomore James Ashe found the back of the net a handful of times in the game. Captain Ron Rentner came to play with a hat trick on the day. In the third period, the Spartans got hot with a few quick goals, forcing a goaltender change for USF. The change did not stop the scoring, but the Spartans already had the game in hand. Sophomore Justin Child made some great saves and helped propel the Spartans to 8-0 on the season.

Final: Tampa 11, USF 2.

UP NEXT:

The Spartans will play at Embry Riddle in Daytona on Friday, October 29 and come back home to play the Eagles on Saturday, October 30. 

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