TAMPA, Fla. — Palm Beach Atlantic University and the University of Tampa, ranked No. 21 and No. 9 nationally respectively, battled to a 1-1 draw at Pepin Stadium on Saturday. The match saw both teams score in the second half, with the Sailfish tallying 10 shots and Tampa recording 7. The 'Fish had a strong showing in the second half with nine shots, while Tampa managed to equalize and maintain defensive pressure with four second-half saves.

The first half commenced with the Sailfish and Tampa both vying for control. Palm Beach Atlantic's Marian Rutkowski attempted an early shot in the 6th minute, but it was not converted. Flavio Giannini made a crucial save against Rodrigo Lopes's shot in the 9th minute, keeping the match level.

Despite a yellow card issued to Tin Vastic of the 'Fish in the 29th minute, the team maintained a strong defensive stance, fending off multiple Tampa attempts. The half concluded with the score tied at 0-0, as the Sailfish held firm against Tampa's offensive efforts.

The second half began with the 'Fish asserting pressure, as Ole Lichter's early shot was saved by Tampa's goalkeeper, Alex Hare. Despite sustained offensive efforts, including a corner kick and additional attempts by Livio Von Holzen, the visitors could not find the back of the net initially.

Midway through the half, Tampa took the lead with a goal by Dion Ruffo Luci in the 72nd minute, assisted by Gregor Geru. The Sailfish, showing resilience typical of a top-25 team, responded promptly when Niklas Mahler scored in the 76th minute, assisted by Paul Danner, leveling the score at 1-1. The match remained tightly contested, with both teams unable to capitalize further, closing the half and the match at a 1-1 draw.