Box Score FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Needing only a win or a draw to clinch the Sunshine State Conference regular season championship on Friday, No. 25 Nova Southeastern decided on the former by blanking Tampa 2-0 at home to earn the program's first-ever outright title. Bailey Corbin and Monica Orteu each scored in the victory, as the Sharks officially wrapped up home field advantage throughout next week's conference tournament.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Nova Southeastern 2, Tampa 0
Records: Nova Southeastern (12-3-1, 8-1-1 SSC), Tampa (7-6-2, 4-5-1 SSC)
Location: NSU Soccer Complex | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:

• In a match mostly controlled by both defenses, Nova Southeastern took advantage of its limited scoring opportunities on Friday. Still scoreless in the 41^st minute, the Sharks landed the match's first punch thanks to the timely effort of Corbin. On the receiving end of an Orteu corner kick, the senior headed the bending ball off the crossbar before it bounced off the turf and deflected into the back of the net.
• Tampa registered one of its two shots on target in the match in the 50^th minute on a shot off the right foot of Alex Jackson. However, Sharks' keeper Jordan Lentz easily corralled the attempt from outside the box to keep the lead intact.
• Still in front by the same 1-0 margin, the Sharks finally created some breathing room following consistent offensive pressure in the 69^th minute. Firing towards net, Hannah Christophe's rocket attempt inside the box struck the hand of a Tampa defender, resulting in a penalty kick. Stepping up to the ball, Orteu calmly converted her fourth goal of the season, as Nova Southeastern began to sense the inevitable.
• The Spartans final shot of the night sailed wide in the waning seconds before the countdown began and the celebration ensued.
   

STATS OF THE NIGHT:

• Corbin's first-half goal marked the first time in her career in which she has scored in back-to-back matches.
• Now with five on the year, Orteu surpassed Christophe to reclaim the team lead in assists.
• The Sharks picked up the win despite being outshot (15-9) by their opponent for only the second time this season.
• Lentz needed only two saves to secure her 10^th win of 2017.

 
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Friday's victory secured the third consecutive season with at least 12 wins for the Sharks.

• Nova Southeastern ran its record to 12-0-2 when scoring two-plus goals in a match.
• The Sharks were credited with their third shutout win this season, and first since beating Palm Beach Atlantic 2-0 on October 11.  

 
UP NEXT:
In earning the SSC Tournament's top seed, NSU automatically advances to the semifinal round, set for Friday, November 3. For complete coverage throughout next week's conference tourney, follow the Sharks on Twitter @NSU_WSoccer or visit the schedule page on NSUSharks.com.