To coach Becky Burleigh, she’s a "beast" and a "monster."
However, in her own mind, she’s just Karina.
Since sophomore Annie Bobbitt was sidelined by a knee sprain suffered on Oct. 19 against Alabama, fellow sophomore Karina Gutsche has filled in at center back for the Gators.
In the five games since she assumed the starting role, Florida has allowed only one goal.
"We’ve always known … that she was just such a solid defender," Burleigh said.
"She’s just so aggressive, and she comes in hard. People don’t like to play against her."
The No. 2-seeded Gators (17-4-1, 11-2 Southeastern Conference) could not have added Gutsche’s tenacity at a better time.
Florida faces Florida Gulf Coast (14-3-3, 7-1-1 Atlantic Sun Conference) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament today at 3 p.m. in James G. Pressly Stadium.
Gutsche didn’t play much for Florida in 2011.
She only saw 45 minutes of action, all in Florida’s 5-0 regular-season victory against FGCU.
Florida used 30 players in the blowout.
"It means a lot to me," Gutsche said about getting crucial playing time this season. "It’s a great opportunity."
Gutsche has made the most of her opportunity and has been on the field for all but 19 minutes of Florida’s past five games.
"My motto when I go onto the field is: Don’t leave anything behind," she said.
Freshman center back Christen Westphal, who was named to the All-SEC second team and the SEC All-Freshman team on Oct. 29, has been paired with Gutsche on the back line for the past five games. Despite Gutsche’s limited experience in a starting role, her play has impressed Westphal.
"Karina gets a little nervous," Westphal said.
"All we have to do is keep her calm, and she plays really well, as you can see. Couldn’t even tell it was a different player back there, from Kat (Williamson) to Bobbitt to anyone."
Nervousness was not a problem for the Gators’ defense during the SEC Tournament.
After allowing an 81st-minute goal against Ole Miss, Florida closed out the tournament with back-to-back shutouts.
However, going into the NCAA Tournament, the Gators will be missing one of their key defensive players — defensive midfielder Jo Dragotta.
Dragotta, who was one of three Florida players named to the All-SEC first team, will miss UF’s match against FGCU because of a concussion suffered when an Auburn midfielder elbowed her on Sunday.
SEC Defensive Player of the Year Holly King has been Dragotta’s partner as the ‘2’ in Florida’s 4-2-3-1 formation this year.
King admitted that Dragotta is a major component of Florida’s defense but added that the team should perform well despite her absence.
Gutsche will likely play a large role in keeping Florida’s defense on track.
King didn’t hold back in her praise for Gutsche and said she expects her to keep playing at a high level.
"I have to be honest, I would be scared going up against her," King said.
"She’s just such a beast, and she’s so aggressive, that I have full confidence every time that she goes onto the field."
Jo Dragotta battles a Mississippi State defender for the ball in Florida’s 4-1 win on Oct. 14 at James G. Pressly Stadium.
