The postseason is right around the corner, but Florida still has some work to do before that time comes.
The No. 8 Gators (11-4, 5-0 Big East) host Cincinnati (2-12, 0-4 Big East) today at noon in Florida’s final regular-season home game at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
The Gators may be looking forward to their first Big East Tournament in Connecticut on the final weekend of April, but they’re not focusing on that just yet.
The Bearcats are their main priority.
"I don’t think we can afford to look past any games," sophomore Mollie Stevens said. "We have a semi-tough game (on Wednesday), and then we go into UConn and we can’t look past that at all. … We just have to focus on that right now and not postseason."
Stevens is looking to tie the UF program record for consecutive games with a goal scored. She has recorded a goal in 19 straight matches dating back to last year, and can make it 20 today, which would tie Ashley Bruns’ record set in 2010-2011.
Although Florida has prepared for Cincinnati the same as it would any other opponent, the two teams are on opposite sides of the spectrum in terms of success.
Florida is looking to win its sixth straight game and stay unbeaten in the Big East. With a win over the Bearcats and a loss by UConn tonight, the Gators will clinch the conference regular season championship.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati arrives in Gainesville having lost seven straight matches. In only one of those losses, to Coastal Carolina on March 15, the Bearcats managed to muster up 10 goals. Cincinnati has more than 10 goals just three times this year, with a season-best 14 against Presbyterian.
Florida has scored more than 10 goals in all but one game this season – a 16-6 loss to No.1 Maryland on the road. The Gators’ 237 goals scored this year are the most in the nation, and UF’s average of 15.8 goals per game is more than Cincinnati has scored in any game all season.
No, Florida doesn’t want to look past any opponent, but the Gators feel good about today’s home finale.
"We watched film (on Monday)," Stevens said about the Bearcats’ defense. "I think we’ll be fine."
Follow Alex Maminakis on Twitter @alexmaminakis
Florida lacrosse players celebrate after a goal during UF's 18-4 win against Georgetown on April 4 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
