Jillian Graff has proved that she does not need to be a starter to score.
The junior forward has not seen much playing time — freshman Savannah Jordan holds the starting forward position for the Gators — but Friday she played as if she had been a starter all season.
Coach Becky Burleigh substituted Graff into the game for Jordan in the 68th minute against Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. The Gators were already up 3-1 against the Rebels and controlled possession in a more physical second half.
Graff increased the lead by another goal.
Outside back Tessa Andujar ran up the far flank and saw Graff near the box. Andujar crossed the ball to the middle, but no one controlled it when it entered.
“It bounced around a couple people,” Graff said. “I was able to get a hold of it and head it in.”
Graff’s header sealed Florida’s 4-1 victory against Ole Miss. It was her first goal this season and the fourth time Florida has scored from a header this season.
“It was a relief for me,” Graff said. “It was a boost of confidence, too.
“As a forward, you’re supposed to score goals, so it felt good to do just that.”
Although the Medina, Ohio, native has not played much for the Gators, she is experienced at scoring.
During her freshman year, Graff’s first goal for Florida was a game-winner.
She chipped the ball over Alabama goalkeeper Justine Bernier after being on the field for only eight minutes.
Her goal set the momentum for the rest of the game en route to a 4-1 Gators victory against the Crimson Tide.
Graff is also familiar with giving the Gators a cushion. In 2012, she scored the last goal to finalize a 4-1 win over Georgia.
The junior now has six career scores.
Although Graff is seeing limited time on the field for the third year in a row — she only started in two games in both 2011 and 2012 — she makes an impact.
“My role is probably being a good asset to come off the bench since I don’t start right now and a big supporter for the people that do play,” Graff said.
Burleigh added: “When players are called on and they step up, that always gives them more opportunity.
“It’s a great thing when we have reserves scoring goals because we know we have some depth that we can count on.”
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Jillian Graff (21) dribbles past Alabama’s Abby Lutzenkirchen (33) during Florida’s 3-0 victory against Alabama on Sept. 20 at James G. Pressly Stadium. Graff has one goal this season.
