Tessa Andujar gave the Gators some relief.
After Florida took seven shots to Jacksonville University’s goal in the first 29 minutes, freshman forward Savannah Jordan sent Andujar the ball on the far flank.
The junior outside back used the space to her advantage, ran the ball up near the far corner and rifled in a cross that sent the ball into the near corner of the net in the 31st minute.
Andujar’s goal gave Florida the 1-0 lead before halftime and helped get the 2-0 victory over Jacksonville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at James G. Pressly Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“I was trying to cross it and kind of miss hit it,” Andujar said. “It was pretty lucky and went in.”
Andujar’s goal was her first goal of the season and the third in her career.
Coach Becky Burleigh noted Andujar’s ability to win the ball on the flank and keep it away from Jacksonville’s back line.
“Tessa was eating that girl alive on that side and getting behind her all the time,” Burleigh said. “Hard work pays off.”
Florida was all about the attack throughout the second half, outshooting Jacksonville 26-5 by the end of the 90 minutes.
However, out of those 26 shots, only two goals came from it.
Florida’s second and final goal came in the 57th minute off a nearside corner kick.
Junior midfielder Annie Speese took the kick for the Gators, sending it into a packed box.
Freshman midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard was in the frame of the goal, and got the touch on the ball to chip it into the back of the net.
“I just tried to get something on it and get in front the girl to put it away,” Dougherty Howard said.
The Dolphins defense stayed composed, even with multiple shots coming towards their goal from Jordan and Speese.
Jacksonville goalkeeper Sarah Sierra made 12 saves and spearheaded a defense that made many incredible blocks against Florida.
“We knew we were going to give up shots, like we said, but Sarah was fantastic today,” Jacksonville coach Brian Copham said. “She probably was the one looking at them with all of the shots.
“The one that saw them coming directly to her and knew that she was the last one there to do something.”
Florida made strides in getting its major leaders and playmakers to take a chance on the attack.
Speese showed tenacity and confidence behind the six shots she took during the game, with one just barely missing the goal as the ball hit the far post and was deflected out.
“We talk about our purpose a lot,” Speese said. “When we had our meeting a while ago, we talked about what we need from each other. [Taking shots] was one of things that a lot of my teammates told me they needed me to do more of.
“I couldn’t put any in today, but I’m just going to keep trying to do that and keep trying to help my team.”
Florida moves on to the second round of play.
“At this stage in the game, it’s all about move on and advance,” Burleigh said.
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Junior Tessa Andujar celebrates her first goal of the season during Florida's 2-0 win against Jacksonville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday at James G. Pressly Stadium.
