MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—The Barry University women's soccer team hosts the Nova Southeastern Sharks on Wednesday, Oct. 21 in their final regular season Sunshine State Conference match of the season, needing a win to secure their third straight conference title.

The Bucs (9-2-1, 5-1-1 SSC) tied the Tampa Spartans on Saturday 1-1, which left both teams with one loss and one tie in the league. But Barry would hold the tiebreaker over the Spartans if the teams finish with identical marks. The Sharks (11-2-0, 4-1-0 SSC) are also playing for a chance at the conference title as wins over the Bucs, Eckerd and Saint Leo would leave them two points ahead of the Spartans, should they win out.

The top seed in the conference tournament earns the right to host the conference tournament semi-finals and finals, Nov. 6-8 and receives a bye in the quarterfinals. The second seed also gets a quarterfinal bye, while the third seed must host a quarterfinal game on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The Bucs held steady at number seven in the NSCAA National Poll this week, while the Sharks, who were unranked last week, jumped into the poll at number 15 on the strength of their eight-game winning streak.

Lavinia Nkomo and Shanice Robe continue to pace the offense for the Bucs. Nkomo leads the team with eight goals and 20 points. She has two game-winners and four first goals this season. Robe is right behind her with seven goals and 18 points. Amanda Traynor leads the team, and is second in the conference, with seven assists and has added four goals. Nkomo, Traynor and Christy Grimshaw each have two game-winners on the season.

Paula Forero has worked every minute in the nets for the Bucs. She has an 0.80 goals against average, second in the league, and seven shutouts, tied for first.

Katie Turner has also worked every minute from her center back slot. She has not missed a minute on the field in 39 straight games.

The Sharks are led by Sierra Lelli. Lelli, a senior forward, leads the SSC with 17 goals and 37 points. Senior midfielder Samantha Gestido leads the league with eight assists. Junior keeper Amanda Kopale has allowed just eight goals in nine games, for a 1.11 goals against average and has posted two shutouts.

The Bucs carried a 3-2 win over the Sharks in Davie last year and lead 17-4-2 all-time in the series.
The game will be carried on the Buccaneer Broadcasting Network, powered by Stretch Internet. Danny Rabinowitz will have the call and Dr. Kathy Ludwig will provide the The Doctor's Diagnosis and analysis.

LIVE COVERAGE LINKS