The No. 11 Gators lacrosse team (2-2) blew out the Jacksonville University Dolphins (1-4) 21-4 in Florida’s regular-season home opener on Wednesday.
Coming off of a 13-12 overtime win against Maryland on Saturday, the Gators returned home and continued their momentum with a dominating win over the Dolphins.
Senior attacker Danielle Pavinelli recorded a hat trick in the first half, scoring one near the end of the first quarter and two to begin the second. This was Pavinelli’s first hat trick of the 2024 season.
Senior attacker Maggi Hall had her second hat trick of the season. She scored in the first, second and third quarter.
Gators freshman attackers Delaney Radin and Lea Flobeck recorded their first collegiate goals in the fourth quarter.
Jacksonville struggled with fouls, committing 17 compared to Florida’s six. The Dolphins only had two free-position shots but gave up seven goals to shots off of fouls.
Florida had a quick start against the Dolphins, beginning the game with two goals by senior attacker Ashley Gonzalez and senior midfielder Madison Waters.
The Dolphins struggled to keep the ball in their sticks while Florida’s defense contained Jacksonville’s offensive attacks. Additionally, Florida caused two shot clock violations in the first half.
The Gators outshot Jacksonville 35-22. Florida senior goalkeeper Georgia Hoey saved nine of 11 shot attempts in the 45 minutes she was on the field. Sophomore goalkeeper Elyse Finnelle was in the net for the last quarter and saved one shot but let two in.
Next, the Gators travel to Arizona to take on the Arizona State University Sun Devils Sunday at 1 p.m.
Contact Lacey Rogers at lrogers@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @laceyyrog.
Lacey Rogers is a third-year journalism major and sports reporter for The Alligator. She is a huge Washington Capitals fan and hopes to work for them after she finishes school.
