Florida can get even better.
That’s a scary proposition for the rest of the Southeastern Conference, but it’s what Florida’s coaches and players believe.
"Our team is just getting confident after each game, and we’re trying to improve each game," said senior Tessa Andujar, the team’s leader in assists, "and our motto is this year, every game, play like it’s a championship game."
The Gators have shown that mentality all season long, never resting on what they have accomplished. Instead, they have realized that every game is a chance to grow.
The same can be said for practice, and when the team puts emphasis on a specific aspect of its game, the dividends show.
For example, during the week leading up to Friday night’s 5-1 victory over Mississippi State, Savannah Jordan – Florida’s leading scorer with 11 goals, including two Friday – said the team focused on ball distribution and creating chances in order to penetrate the Bulldogs’ defense.
The result was the Gators 23 shots in the game, while the Bulldogs only managed to take five, and Florida’s five goals were scored by four different players.
This approach to the year has led Florida to an 11-2 record, including a 6-0 record in the SEC.
With the win against Mississippi State, Florida is on a seven-game win streak that dates back to Sept. 12 and has outscored its opponents 18-5 during that time frame.
Florida has five games remaining in the regular season, and that means only five chances remain – aside from any postseason appearances – for goalkeeper Taylor Burke to break the school solo shutout record. She has 26 in her Florida career and needs one more to tie the mark, while two would break it.
Florida goes back on the road this week, with games at South Carolina and Kentucky on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.
Follow Graham Hack on Twitter @graham_hack24
Tessa Andujar dribbles the ball during Florida's 5-1 win against Mississippi State on Friday at James G. Pressly Stadium.
