Savannah, Ga. – It took 13 years for Lynn University's women's soccer team to get back to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16.  After Friday's 1-0 double-overtime loss to Tampa, the future looks bright for the Fighting Knights in their hopes of winning the program's fifth national title.  Lynn closes out the 2011 season 11-7-1, its most victories since 2004 and best overall finish since 1998.

Meeting for the third time after splitting the season series, the Blue & White took it right to the Spartans (16-5-2) in the opening half.  Melissa Ortiz and Jackie Hellett each had significant looks on goal that were turned away by Emelie Karstrom.  LU outshot UT 5-4 through the first 45 minutes.

Tampa owned the second half, putting pressure on the Knights' back four with constant runs down the sidelines.  The Spartans outshot Lynn 11-4 and recorded seven of their nine corner kicks.  LU's Meghan Dolan stopped three shots and countless crosses from Tampa.

Both teams struggled in the first overtime period but Lynn managed to get three shots off.  Ortiz broke free on the left wing, cut back toward center and ripped an attempt just left of the post.  Unfortunately for LU, Tampa was able to find the back of the net just over a minute into the second overtime when Cina Salemi lofted a cross from the left wing to an open Brittan Spence inside the six-yard box.  Spence headed home the goal to send the Spartans to the NCAA National Quarterfinals.

Although Lynn graduates seniors Melissa Ortiz, the 2011 Sunshine State Conference Co-Player & Offensive Player of the Year, and Alison Ramsey, a three-year starter, it returns 17 players off this season's squad, including 10 starters.  The future of the Fighting Knights women's soccerprogram looks bright.