A streaky second half got the job done for the Gators.
Leading 6-3, Florida grabbed five consecutive draw controls to begin the second half, four of which were a product of sophomore Shannon Gilroy.
Though High Point scored the first goal in the second half to bring the score to 6-4, UF’s domination of the draws led to a 7-0 run.
The No. 3 Gators (3-0) took down the Panthers (1-1) 13-7 on Sunday afternoon in High Point, N.C. The win gives Florida its first 3-0 start in program history.
“Obviously, you want to have three wins rather than three losses,” coach Amanda O’Leary said. “It’s a huge momentum push.”
Gilroy tied a career-high tally with seven draw controls, leading UF and outnumbering High Point’s six. She accomplished the feat twice last season in wins against William & Mary and Penn State.
“I’ve been doing it for so long now that I’m able to do things differently when I’m up against different opponents on the draw,” Gilroy said. “Height is definitely a huge advantage for me, so I’m strong enough where I can pull it to myself or to my teammates.”
Overall, the Gators ousted the Panthers in draw controls 16-6 in the match. Florida tallied 17 total between its victories against North Carolina and Jacksonville.
“I think Shannon did a great job on the draws,” O’Leary said. “Being able to control the ball and being in possession of it certainly puts us at an advantage.”
Senior Caroline Chesterman and Gilroy led Florida with three goals each, both scoring twice during the 7-0 stretch.
Sophomore Nicole Graziano and senior Kitty Cullen wrapped up the game with two goals each while senior Brittany Dashiell led the team with two assists.
The Gators produced 32 shots in the game while only capitalizing on 13 of them, increasing their shot percentage to .398 on the season.
“Generating so many shots is a positive,” O’Leary said.
“But I think [assistant coach Erica LaGrow] would like them to convert about 50 percent or higher. So I don’t think we are there just yet.”
Shannon Gilroy fights for possession against Penn State in Florida’s Elite Eight win Saturday. Gilroy scored two goals and led the Gators with six draw controls in the 15-2 victory.
