The University of Florida lacrosse team was established in 2010. Now, in 2021 the orange and blue have prevailed in three different conferences. They currently play in the American Athletic Conference and reign 6-0.
The team’s roster holds Shannon Kavanagh, the AAC Preseason Midfielder of the Year, Brianna Harris, the Preseason Attacker of the Year, Sarah Reznick, the Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and Cara Trombetta, a Preseason Co-Defender of the Year.
From 2010-14, the Gators played in the American Lacrosse Conference. The four-time champions left their mark in the ALC. Florida boasted the conference championship title in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
However, UF and all of its foes left the conference after the 2014 season due to the after effects of conference realignment. While the ALC folded under pressure, the Gators didn’t.
Florida then governed the Big East Conference. The Gators carried their momentum from the ALC and won the conference championship four times in a row (‘15-’18).
The orange and blue now reside in the AAC -- they won the conference championship in its inaugural season (2019).
The Gators held a 6-2 overall record in 2020, however, they failed to face an in-conference opponent because the season was cut short due to COVID-19.
Now, Florida dawns a 6-0 conference record in the AAC’s third season. But things look a little different.
The AAC announced a new format for the 2021 season, with each team playing five conference series during league play. The teams will play two-game series with a rest day in between the matches.
UF started conference play against Temple in Philadelphia March 19 and 21.
Attacker Grace Haus led the Gators offensively with her 100th goal in Friday’s 15-9 win. Florida carried its momentum into Sunday’s game in an empathetic 14-7 victory over the Owls.
On March 26 and 28, the Gators faced the Cincinnati Bearcats in their home opener at the ‘Diz.
Florida made its mark in Friday’s game with a 20-3 win. The team scored four goals on five shots in the first four minutes of the match. The Gators closed out the back-to-back in a 19-5 thriller Sunday.
Last Thursday the Gators beat the East Carolina Pirates in their 100th regular-season win at the ‘Diz in an aggressive 20-9 game full of yellow cards. The fierceness continued on both ends of the field Saturday with an orange and blue 20-9 sweep.
Florida takes on Vanderbilt Friday at the ‘Diz. Opening draw is set for 4 p.m. and the game will stream on the Florida Gators YouTube channel.
It’s safe to say the Gators are eager to put another conference championship in the trophy case.
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.
