LAKELAND, Fla. — #2/#2 Florida Southern women's lacrosse (17-1) secured an 11-8 victory over the #6/#7 University of Tampa (12-5) on Sunday at Berend Field to win its fifth 2026 Sunshine State Conference Tournament Championship. Florida Southern's second-quarter surge, scoring five goals, was pivotal in the outcome.
Audrey Cannelli,
Brayden Cannelli,
Julia Lucas, and
Charlie Laye were named to the All-Tournament Team, while
Kolby Cohen was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
Cohen was the Mocs' leading goal-scorer, scoring three goals on six shots.
Jenna Vetter contributed with two goals and two assists, taking six shots with three on target.
Grace Curtin found the net twice, including the game-winner, from four shots.
Audrey Cannelli was notable on defense, causing four turnovers while picking up two ground balls.
The first quarter of play opened with the Moccasins taking an early lead as Cohen scored the first goal at 13:06, marking her 17th goal of the season. Tampa responded later in the quarter, with Peyton Howell scoring a player-up goal off a free position shot at 4:50, tying the game at 1-1. Both teams showed aggressive defense, with Florida Southern forcing several turnovers, including two from
Brayden Cannelli. The quarter ended with the score tied, setting up a competitive second quarter.
Florida Southern capitalized on its opportunities in the second quarter, with
Kelsey Bennett scoring twice, assisted both times by
Hanna Watson, at 12:33 and 8:24.
Riley Rivera added to the momentum with a goal at 5:44, and
Grace Curtin followed shortly with a goal at 3:35. Cohen secured a goal at 2:11, further extending the lead. Tampa responded with a goal by Mary Kate Person at 9:00 and another by Grace Lichtenberger at 0:45 through free position shots, but the Moccasins maintained a 6-3 advantage by the end of the half.
Florida Southern extended its lead over Tampa in the third quarter, fueled by a strong offensive performance. Vetter scored her 55th goal of the season at 11:36, followed by Watson's goal at 10:45, assisted by Vetter. Tampa responded with a goal from Person at 5:13 through a free position shot, marking her 68th goal of the season. Florida Southern regained momentum with goals by Curtin at 3:35, assisted by Rivera, and Cohen at 1:40, bringing the score to 10-4 Florida Southern favor by the quarter's end.
In the fourth quarter, Tampa's Grace Lichtenberger scored at 11:20, assisted by Maddie Szyluk, narrowing the gap. Vetter responded with a goal at 5:56, assisted by Rivera, reasserting their lead. Tampa then mounted a comeback, with goals from Sarah Bette at 5:22 and Mary Kate Person at 3:54, bringing them closer. Peyton Howell's free position goal at 2:58 put Tampa within striking distance, but the quarter concluded with Florida Southern maintaining a three-goal advantage, 11-8.
The Moccasins will receive an Automatic Qualifying bid to the NCAA tournament as the SSC Tournament Champions. Florida Southern will await their place in the South Region bracket, announced on NCAA.com on Sunday, May 2nd at 8:30 PM.
