TAMPA, Fla. – Lynn University's women's soccer team was the first to put the ball in the back of the net in Saturday's Sunshine State match up against the University of Tampa but the lone goal was not enough to seal the deal. The Spartans quickly countered with two goals in the first half to take the lead 2-1. It wasn't until the 89th minute of play when the Fighting Knights came back to tie the game 2-2 leaving the match undecided.  

The Blue & White 2-6-3 were not intimidated by the 17th ranked University of Tampa's 11-1-1 record, putting the pressure on the Spartans right from the start. In the 11th minute of play Linzi Martin crossed a ball in from the right side of the box finding the head of Lauren Handley where she found the back of the net, giving the Fighting Knights the early lead 1-0.  The goal marked Handley's first goal of the season and her second goal as a Fighting Knight. 

The Spartans answered with a goal in the 24th minute and another ten minutes later taking the 2-1 lead for the remainder of the half. The Fighting Knights kept up the pressure holding a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks while the Spartans took the lead in shots 8-7. 

With a change of keepers in the second half the Fighting Knights looked to turn the game around. Megan Dolan took the field for the first time this season reliving Caitlin Shaver who had three saves in the first half. 

It wasn't until the last minute of play minute when Lauren Handley took her second shot of the game and once again capitalized.  A pass from Lina Foreman set her up with an open look, firing off a shot to the far 
post beating University of Tampa's keeper Alyson Gregorowicz. Handley's second goal of the match would even the score 2-2 and send the game into overtime.

Lynn came out fired up and kept the Spartans on their heels for the two overtime periods.  The LU out shot the Spartans 5-1 but were unable to find the back of the net leaving the match undecided. Lynn moves to 2-6-3 overall and 0-0-2 in the Sunshine State Conference.

Overall, LU out shot Spartans 19-16 and held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. Dolan stopped four shots while Gregorowicz had eight saves.

The Fighting Knights return to action on Wednesday, October 16, at 1:00 p.m.  Fans can watch the action live at LynnFightingKnights.com and receive in-game updates by following @LUKnights on Twitter, Instagram and Vine.  Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook.