The orange and blue stormed the field, redemption in the air two months after a loss to the Dolphins.
Florida advanced to round three of the NCAA Tournament with an impressive 17-3 win over Jacksonville Sunday. The win looked nothing like the Gators’ surprising loss to the Dolphins March 13.
The bleachers were packed after new COVID regulations. UF picked up where they left out Friday and built a 6-1 lead 13 minutes into the match.
AAC Defensive Player of the Year Cara Trombetta faceplanted into the grass after a shove from behind with 10 minutes remaining in the first half. The fifth-year senior left the game but returned to the sideline on crutches to support her eager teammates.
“Hold ‘em Gators,” said a dedicated Florida fan in the stands.
Midfielder Shannon Kavanagh and attacker Brianna Harris dominated the field and combined for six goals. Harris recorded her 200th career point, a few weeks after her 100th goal.
Jacksonville attacker Mackenzie Boyle stood wide open in the middle of the eight-meter arc. The sophomore drew back and hurled a shot to the lower-left corner, leaving goalkeeper Sarah Reznick in a straddle and empty-handed as the ball found the net.
AAC Goalkeeper of the Year Reznick redeemed herself with a save on the hungry Molly Brock to close out the half. UF led by eight as the squads ran into the field house.
Dolphin goalkeeper Dayna Martinetto replaced Addy Tysdal between the pipes to start the final frame but fared little better than her predecessor. The junior made an impressive save on Florida, but the team brought it back as attacker Kassidy Bresnahan ripped the yellow ball home to open up the second.
The visitors stepped it up, but the Gators kept the ball rolling.
Attacker Grace Haus juked through the lifeless Dolphin defense to slip the yellow ball behind Martinetto for her third goal in a row. The senior finished the game with seven goals.
“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John blasted over the speakers as the starters cleared the field at the ‘Diz for the last time this season.
The orange and blue sideline chucked attacker Janine Suris in the air as the clock wound down, signaling the Gators get to keep dancing.
Coach Amanda O’Leary said the Gators showed a total team effort today.
“Overall, top to bottom I couldn’t be more pleased with where we are,” she said.
Florida faces Syracuse in the quarterfinals. Details to be announced after the conclusion of the second-round contests.
Contact Karina Wilson at kwilson@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @kk_rinaa
Karina Wilson is a second-year student at the University of Florida within the College of Journalism and Communications with a specialization in sports and media. She aims to produce engaging, accurate and current content for all types of sports fans. Currently, Karina is The Alligator's lacrosse beat writer.
