Giorgia Palmieri during the University of Tampa vs. Eckerd College game. Photo courtesy of Hannah Walls
This Wednesday, the University of Tampa women’s basketball team faced Eckerd College in a tight game, but after a long battle back-and-forth, the Spartans lost 71-63.
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By Genesis Muckle
TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Tampa women’s basketball team battled through four intense quarters but fell short in a 71-63 loss to Eckerd College.
The Spartans entered the matchup aiming for consistency as the season continued. Tampa’s starting lineup included guards sophomore Giorgia Palmieri and junior Olivia Davis, graduate wing Alanis Diaz, sophomore guard Amy Thompson, and junior center Ryan Franklin.
Tampa opened the game with confidence and got right on the board when Diaz made the first basket with the assistance of Palmieri. However, Eckerd answered quickly after, and the opening of the game saw both teams scoring within minutes. Tampa was able to find an offensive rhythm, particularly from Davis and Thompson, putting Tampa in the lead.
Following a timeout midway through the first quarter, Tampa led the game 14-10. Free throws from Davis and consistent scoring from Diaz gave the Spartans the edge, but Eckerd remained persistent, and the Tritons tied it 20-20 by the end of the first quarter.
Eckerd stuck first in the second quarter, taking a brief lead, but Tampa caught up quickly and tied the game once again. The quarter consisted of strong momentum, with neither team letting up. Franklin set a spark after re-entering the game after a short break, while Palmieri and Diaz continued to add pressure to Eckerd’s defense.
Despite Tampa’s drive during the quarter, Eckerd remained relentless, and defensive breakdowns from the Spartans allowed the Tritons to take advantage, leaving Tampa trailing by halftime at 38-33.
“There are a lot of things to learn, especially when it comes to defending on the perimeter by our post players,” said Head Coach Thomas Jessee. “[But] the team played hard all game and with great effort. When these two teams play each other, it’s always a hard-fought game.”
As the third quarter began, Tampa emerged from the locker room focused and ready to take on Eckerd. Free throws from Thompson and Franklin helped chip away at the deficit, and the Spartans found themselves tied at 38-38.
Freshman Faith Pickens made her first appearance and was instantly locked in. Tampa pushed further into the lead at 47-38 as the offensive execution improved and the defense put on more pressure.
The Spartans remained united, but Eckerd showed discipline and took advantage of free throws to take the lead, and the Tritons reclaimed the lead in a 48-47 decision by the fourth quarter.
The final period put the Spartans’ composure to the test. Eckerd capitalized on key possessions and maintained control down the stretch. Tampa pushed but was unable to regain momentum.
Despite the loss, Jessee emphasized the bigger picture for his team. “We have a very new team, with 10 of the 13 players being new this year,” he said. “They’ll continue to work together. We play again on Saturday, so there’s no time to feel sorry for yourself. We’ll watch film and learn from what we see.”
Jessee also pointed to the confidence gained from close games against strong opponents.
“We can play with anyone, and that’s what they see when we have close games like this with good teams,” he said. ”They’re really great at bouncing back.”
Following the game, the message to the team was centered around growth and trust in the process.
“Tonight was about playing a complete game and following our scouting report,” said Jessee. “They’re getting better every night out. It takes time to create a team with so many new players, and I wouldn’t want anyone else but the ones we have. They’re a great group of young ladies.”