TAMPA, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic women's soccer team defeated the Tampa Spartans on Thursday night 2-0 to keep their SSC tournament chances alive for at least one more day. Fueled by a clean sheet from Taylor Jackson and goals from Lea Loubier and Aidan McCausland, the Sailfish await results from tomorrow's SSC action to determine their fate. 

Both sides were unable to get much of anything going for most of the first half with both goalies and defenses spoiling any thoughts of an icebreaking goal.  

Enter Lea Loubier.  

A long free kick played into the box by Lizzy Basile from just inside the halfway line bounced off multiple players. The Spartans attempted to clear the ball up the middle, but Loubier collected it and rocketed a shot from just outside the 18-yard box. The shot sailed past the Tampa goalkeeper and gave the Sailfish a 1-0 lead with under two minutes remaining in the first half.  

Later in the second half, Aidan McCausland took advantage of another unsuccessful clear from the Spartan defense. After an Isabella Reinhardt shot was blocked, McCausland collected the weak clearance, got around the Spartan defender and floated a shot over the top of the keeper and into the back of the net. Despite getting tripped up on the play, McCausland was able to keep her footing and possession just prior to the shot. A well-deserved insurance goal for the Sailfish.  

Taylor Jackson started her fourth consecutive game in goal for the 'Fish tonight. Earning her second straight clean sheet with 3 saves on the night.  

The Sailfish await the results of the match between Eckerd and Nova Southeastern on Friday night. After tonight's win, the Sailfish hold onto eighth place with ten points and the final spot in the SSC tournament. With a Nova win over Eckerd, the Sailfish would clinch eighth place in the conference standings and their first tournament bid since 2021. The Sailfish completed the task at hand. Now, all they can do is wait.