Senior attacker Ashley Bruns started 50 of her 51 games at Florida before this season.
She has started only three of 15 games in 2013, but her impact remains unchanged.
Florida coach Amanda O’Leary has used increased subbing this season depending on whether the Gators are on offense or defense. The team runs a two-person midfield rotation, swapping in two defenders for two attackers and vice versa.
“We’re trying to get our best seven defenders on the field and seven best attackers on the field,” O’Leary said.
Senior Caroline Chesterman added: “We can talk to the coaches once we come off the field each time and tell them what’s working, what’s not working and then relay that message to the rest of the team.”
Bruns has thrived in her new role. The senior has scored 29 goals, which ranks third on the team.
“I actually like it a lot better because instead of waiting for the ball to come down, I’m on the run, moving and as a player, I personally like that better,” Bruns said.
O’Leary said the rotation keeps the Gators fast and fresh.
“Ashley’s speed can catch teams off guard,” O’Leary said. “(She) has a good stick and can do good things with it.”
On the defensive end, O’Leary uses junior Krista Grabher, senior Colby Rhea and freshman Sydney DuPre as constant subs. Dupre was recently named American Lacrosse Conference Rookie of the Week.
Florida (14-1, 2-1 ALC) plays Vanderbilt (2-14, 0-4) on Sunday at 2 p.m. in Nashville, Tenn.
Florida attacker Ashley Bruns (13) runs past Ohio State defender Tayler Kuzma (24) in the Gators’ 13-7 win against the Buckeyes on March 23 at Dizney Stadium. Bruns scored four goals in Florida's 16-5 win against Denver in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
