SAINT LEO, Fla. – Despite fighting back from a four-goal deficit in the first half, the Saint Leo men's lacrosse team lost 16-7 versus third-ranked Tampa at home on Wednesday night in a Sunshine State Conference (SSC) contest.

The Spartans scored the first four goals of the game until sophomore Aiden Knoetgen found the back of the net off a dish from senior Guy Bistrow at the 8:55-mark of the first quarter. The Lions trailed 6-1 heading into the second frame as Saint Leo kickstarted the quarter with three consecutive goals to close the gap at 6-4 as Knoetgen, sophomore James Davies, and sophomore Matthew Cleary laced scores for the Green and Gold. After Tampa scored to lead 7-4, Cleary and junior Xan Hayes each tallied goals as the Lions trailed 7-6. With 1:10 remaining in the first half, Knoetgen laced a goal off the feed from sophomore Greg Palmer as the Spartans led by an 8-7 margin at halftime.

In the third quarter, Tampa extended its lead to 11-7 with three goals in the frame before the Spartans posted five goals in the final quarter to lead 16-7.

Knoetgen finished the game with four total points that included three goals and one assist. Davies recorded one goal and one assist while Palmer dished out two assists and Cleary registered a pair of goals. Hayes earned one goal in three shot attempts. Senior Michael Flores won nine faceoffs and collected five groundballs. Davies notched four groundballs while sophomore Jimmy McGonigle caused two turnovers and posted two groundballs. In the net, senior Chase Strait recorded a career-best 20 saves in the complete-game effort.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, April 13 as they travel to face Embry-Riddle in an SSC showdown at 3 p.m.