With an even shorter bench than originally anticipated, the Gators made the most of what they had.
Heading into the game only nine players deep, sophomore forward Christin Mercer was ruled out with an ankle injury before the game. With only eight players at coach Amanda Butler’s disposal, Florida had to get the most out of everyone.
It did.
In a 93-65 victory over Bethune-Cookman, seven of the eight players who dressed scored in the double digits — the highest number of players to score in double digits in Butler’s tenure.
Perhaps the most impressive player on the floor was freshman Ronni Williams. Williams lived up to the hype that’s been surrounding her this entire offseason, tallying a team-leading 15 points and 17 rebounds, breaking the Gators record of 12 rebounds in a freshman’s debut.
Lily Svete matched her career high in points, tying with Williams for the team lead.
Senior Jaterra Bonds opened the scoring for the Gators, making a free throw after getting fouled while making a field goal. She finished the night with ten points and eight assists.
After Williams made her debut with 18:05 remaining in the first half, there was no looking back.
Williams, Antoinette Bannister and Cassie Peoples all shined in their debuts for Florida.
Bannister had 13 points on the night and looked strong driving the ball down the floor. Peoples was a spark plug, using her smaller stature to maneuver in and out of lanes while putting up 12 points in only 14 minutes. She was 6 of 6 from the free-throw line.
A quick turnaround lies ahead for Florida, as they have only a day to prepare for North Florida on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the O’Connell Center.
Freshman guard Ronni Williams, a McDonald’s High School All-American, poses during Florida women’s basketball’s media day. Williams recorded a double-double in Florida's 93-65 win against Bethune-Cookman on Friday.
