WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic women's lacrosse team opened its season on Saturday at the Rinker Athletic Campus against No. 10-ranked Tampa.
 
PBA (0-1, 0-1 SSC) started the game strong, matching every punch the Spartans threw early on, but fatigue and turnovers began to catch up with the 'Fish as Tampa (3-0, 2-0 SSC) pulled away towards the end of the first half. The Sailfish fought hard until the final whistle, ending the game on a 4-1 scoring run; however, Tampa earned the win, 18-12.
 
Grace Bartlinski led the PBA attack with five goals, including netting her 100th career-goal to start the contest. Kiki Cinotti, Kate LeBlanc, and Lindsey Heffler all tallied two goals each as Cinotti led the 'Fish with two assists. Anna Laskaris was right behind with a goal of her own.
 
Bartlinski found the back of the net two minutes into the game to give PBA a 1-0 lead. Tampa responded with two goals of its own, but the 'Fish refused to back down. The 'Fish hung around as the top-10 ranked Spartans led just 5-4 through the first 15 minutes of action. The Spartans ended the half on a 5-1 run as PBA began to lose its legs towards the end of the period.
 
Tampa continued to pull away to begin the second half. The Spartans took a 17-9 lead with 11 minutes left in the game. PBA tried to make a comeback after a pair of goals from Bartlinski and Cinotti, but the 'Fish ran out of time, dropping the game 18-12.
 
PBA was outshot by the visitors 33-20, including 28-17 in shots on goal. The Spartans took advantage of four free-position goals on five attempts whereas PBA did not convert any goals on its two attempts. Turnovers cost the 'Fish during Tampa's run as PBA totaled 17 turnovers in the game.
 
The Sailfish are scheduled to compete against Lynn on the road on Wednesday. The game in Boca Raton, Fla. is scheduled for 6 p.m.