The Gators begin a busy stretch with tonight’s home opener.
On Wednesday, No. 3 Florida (3-0) will host the first of three games in five days, starting with No. 19 Stony Brook (1-0) at 3:30 p.m.
The upcoming stretch marks the first time in program history that the Gators will play three games in such a short span during the regular season.
Coach Amanda O’Leary said the stretch is stressful for the coaches because there is less time to draw up individual game plans for each opponent.
“Our coaches are going to give us great game plans for each game,” sophomore midfielder Nicole Graziano said. “So, if we follow those, then I think we will be good.”
Dating back to Florida’s 15-4 win against Jacksonville on Feb. 13, the Gators will play five games in 11 days.
O’Leary said she is not the only one dealing with pressure during a long stretch.
Busy stretches take a mental and physical toll on Florida’s players.
“It’s our student athletes that are dealing with the academics, dealing with the practice schedule, so I have to credit them,” O’Leary said.
“If we can come out of this stretch with a couple more wins, then it will be kudos to them.”
The players’ perspective is slightly different than that of their coaches.
“I’m not worried at all,” senior attacker Ashley Bruns said. “I come out to compete. I love games.”
The Gators are tired of facing each other in practice.
“I’m really excited because playing against each other in practice every day just kind of gets boring,” Graziano said. “To see new faces and playing them is just really exciting. It really can’t make us worse. It can only make us better.”
Florida will take on Stony Brook, UC Davis and UAlbany in the next five days.
Fortunately for the Gators, all three contests are at Dizney Stadium.
“We are so excited about it,” Bruns said.
“Three home games straight, and we have been traveling on the road for the last week and a half.”
Despite the strain of heavy competition in a short stretch, Bruns and UF are not worried.
“I’d rather have a game than a practice,” Bruns said.
“I’m so excited to have all these games in a row, that’s what we live for, that’s why we are here.”
Senior midfielder Nicole Graziano (16) runs with the ball during Florida’s 18-13 exhibition win against England on Jan. 24 at Dizney Stadium. Graziano has scored two goals for the Gators in three games this season.
