FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - On a sunny afternoon at the NSU Soccer Complex, Florida Tech (9-7-2) captured its second SSC Semifinal win in program history. The Panthers knocked off Barry University (9-3-2) after netting a goal in the first half of play, avenging a previous loss that came from the Bucs in the 2015 SSC Semifinals.

Paving the way offensively for Florida Tech, Taylor Eller recorded the game's only goal around the 16 minute-mark to give the Panthers an early lead over Barry. The Melbourne native's score came off her only shot of the game, marking her fourth goal of the 2017 season. In addition, the red-shirt junior boasts an impressive .500 shooting percentage, placing her first on the team.
Also aiding in the offensive efforts, Keira McCarthy totaled two shots, and one assist, while Maria Munoz put up one shot on goal. 

Defensively, Florida Tech's back line was able to clear several of Barry's offensive attempts, however senior goalkeeper Karlyn Prisco is to be credited after her impeccable performance between the goalposts. The Rockledge-native tallied seven saves to hold the Buccaneers scoreless, marking her seventh shutout this season. Other than a tie, this is the first time this season where Barry has not been able to score in a loss against one of its opponents. 

Returning to the conference semifinals after a two-year absence, Florida Tech wasted little time making a statement in front of the neutral site crowd. The Melbourne squad established their dominance at the 16 minute-mark after junior midfielder Eller snuck the go-a header past Melanie Zeinger to put FIT up 1-0. 

Although Barry outshot FIT 6-3 in the first half, the 2015 Semifinal winners came up short heading into halftime. 

Returning from the intermission, the Buccaneers heightened their offensive tempo and put the Panthers on their heels for a duration on the half. However, FIT's back line held up against the myriad of shots, as Barry tallied seven shots, four corner kicks, and three shots on goal. 

The loan goal assisted by McCarthy was enough to boost Florida Tech into the SSC Finals on Sunday. This is the first time the Panthers reached the conference finals since 2010. That year, FIT took a narrow 1-0 loss to Tampa on NSU grass, where the Spartans walked away with the win in overtime at the 98-minute mark.

"It feels great to beat one of the best teams in the country", said head coach Dustin Smith. "Barry was on a 7-game winning streak and we needed to go the distance to pull off the victory. I commend the girls for their fight and effort tonight. Now it's time to recover so we can prepare for finals on Sunday." 

Florida Tech will face off against the winner of tonight's match, hosting No. 1 seed Nova Southeastern and No. 5 seed Tampa. The Sunshine State Conference Finals are set for Sunday, November 5 at 1 p.m. ET!

For more information, please visit FloridaTechSports.com