By Abby Doperak · KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Ice Vols fell to the Tampa Spartans, 5-1, on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Coming off a 3-1 victory on Fri…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Ice Vols fell to the Tampa Spartans, 5-1, on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.
Coming off a 3-1 victory on Friday night, Tennessee looked to build on the positive momentum established earlier in the weekend.
Despite a slow start for both teams, the Ice Vols managed to break down the Spartans’ control of the puck. At 14:05, Tennessee entered a penalty kill with Tampa holding a 5-on-3 advantage. However, forward Tommy Carroll broke away and scored a shorthanded goal at 16:01, giving the Ice Vols a 1-0 lead.
Tennessee outshot Tampa 9-8 in the second period but struggled to find the back of the net.
With six minutes left in the period, intensity increased and physicality picked up. The shift in pace did not benefit Tennessee. Tampa forward Robbie Seewagen tied the game 1-1 with a goal at 15:20. Moments later, defenseman James Lawhorne scored his second goal of the weekend, followed by a goal from forward Cole Vallese to give the Spartans a 3-1 lead heading into the third.
The final period brought more of the same intensity and tension. Although Tennessee managed to keep pace with the Spartan offense, Tampa’s Alex Moeller and Billy McCann each scored, resulting in the final score of 5-1.
While Tennessee showed flashes of strong puck control and clean passing, the team struggled with communication and discipline. Costly penalties hurt the Ice Vols, who will need to improve their cohesiveness and consistency ahead of their next matchup.
Tennessee returns to the ice Friday, Oct. 17, to face Middle Tennessee State University in Nashville.