Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Savannah Jordan (right) dribbles past Oregon State’s Kathryn Baker on Aug. 25 at James G. Pressly Stadium. Jordan scored three times during the game.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Jordan ready to lead Florida into SEC opener against Alabama

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Sep. 19, 2013

Savannah Jordan finds strength through adversity.

Ziva Recek reaches for the ball during Florida’s four-set victory against Western Michigan on Sept. 14 in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Wise looking to take load off Recek as UF travels to Marquette

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Sep. 19, 2013

With a lack of options on offense, coach Mary Wise was forced to ride the arm of Ziva Recek throughout the 2012 season.

Gordon Watson hits a ball during Florida’s 7-0 win against St. John’s on Jan. 6, 2013. The junior won the singles event of the Gainesville ITA Circuits Draw on Monday.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Florida men to kick off season at SEC Fall Classic

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Sep. 19, 2013

gOne week after the Florida women's tennis team started its season with a strong showing, the men’s team will get its chance to start the season on the right foot.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper (14) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Vick during the second quarter of a 33-30 loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday in Philadelphia. Cooper had two catches for 25 yards in the game.

SPORTS | BLOGS FOOTBALL

Cooper a valuable asset in Chip Kelly's offense

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Sep. 19, 2013

It seemed as though Riley Cooper was one controversial remark away from losing a spot on Philadelphia's 53-man roster had it not been for an ACL tear to receiver Jeremy Maclin.

Jon Halapio runs during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Nov. 24 in Doak Campbell Stadium. Halapio is expected to make his season debut on Saturday.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Offensive lineman returning after missing first two games

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Sep. 18, 2013

Having to watch Florida’s season opener against Toledo on Aug. 31 from the sidelines was painful for Jon Halapio.

Former Florida defensive tackle Omar Hunter (99) splits a pair of offensive linemen during Florida's 38-20 win against Tennessee on Sept. 15, 2012, at Neyland Stadium. The Volunteers return four starters on the offensive line from 2012.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida preparing to face strong Tennessee offensive line

By LANDON WATNICK< | Sep. 18, 2013

Florida defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin remembers how stout Tennessee’s offensive line was last year.

Arizona State’s Jake Sheffield (91), Kody Koebensky (67) and Chris Coyle (87) celebrate a 32-30 victory against Wisconsin on Saturday in Phoenix. Arizona State faces Stanford this weekend.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

The Rally: Which team will win the Arizona State-Stanford matchup?

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Sep. 18, 2013

Each week, two alligatorSports columnists will debate the biggest looming matchup in college football. Today, Adam Lichtenstein and Adam Pincus preview No. 5 Stanford’s showdown against No. 23 Arizona State in Stanford, Calif., on Saturday at 7 p.m. on FOX.

Taylor Unroe reaches for the ball during Florida’s three-set victory against FSU on Tuesday in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Libero spurs comeback against Seminoles

By RJ Schaffer | Sep. 18, 2013

No. 4 Florida (9-1) trailed 9-8 in the second set against No. 17 Florida State (6-4) on Tuesday, and it appeared another long point might not fall in the Gators’ favor.

Senior wide receiver Trey Burton runs down the field during Florida’s 21-16 loss to Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Wildcat providing mixed results for UF

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Sep. 17, 2013

A year ago, Trey Burton was on top of the world.

Dominique Easley (2) leaps over a pile of players during Florida’s 21-16 loss to Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium. Florida’s defense is No. 3 in the nation, allowing 208.5 yards per game.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Pease accepts criticism for Florida’s red-zone struggles

By JOE MORGAN< | Sep. 17, 2013

Still looking for a scapegoat to take the fall for Florida’s red-zone struggles in its 21-16 loss to Miami in Sun Life Stadium on Sept. 7?

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Former UF tight end catches first NFL touchdown in Week 2

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Sep. 17, 2013

With Week 2 of the NFL season in the books, here are a few former Gators who made the most tangible impact for their respective teams.

Junior libero Taylor Unroe reacts to a play during Florida’s three-set victory against FSU on Sept. 17 in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators avenge loss, sweep Seminoles

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Sep. 17, 2013

Last season, Florida dropped the first two sets to Florida State and lost any chance at a comeback by digging itself a 4-0 hole to begin the third set.

Freshman midfielder Pamela Begic (below) poses with sophomore defender Brooke Smith (above) during a practice Tuesday. Begic has scored two goals for UF this season.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Freshman midfielder’s decision to cut hair helps Gators bond

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Sep. 17, 2013

Pamela Begic’s hair is gone.

Matt Jones (24) reaches for the ball on a play-action pass from quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) during Florida’s 21-16 loss against Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Jones ready to carry load

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Sep. 16, 2013

Matt Jones has not felt this good in months.

Jaylen Watkins runs down the field during Florida’s 21-16 loss against Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium. Watkins is now starting at safety for the Gators.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defensive tackle preparing for final matchup with Tennessee

By ADAM PINCUS< | Sep. 16, 2013

It may have nine stanzas, but the good ‘ole song from Rocky Top has a catchy ring to it. In Knoxville, Tenn., it’s a touching rendition to the simple life in the foothills. In many other places, “Rocky Top,” is an annoying battle cry that people would rather do without.

Savannah Jordan battles for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 win against Minnesota on Sept. 13 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Junior midfielder showing timely touch for Florida

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Sep. 16, 2013

Havana Solaun is no stranger to comebacks.

Gabby Mallette reaches to hit the ball during Florida’s four-set win against Western Michigan on Sept. 14 in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators seeking redemption against Seminoles

By RJ Schaffer | Sep. 16, 2013

When Florida played its annual match against Florida State last season, the Gators suffered one of only three sweeps of the season. The other two came against reigning national champion Texas.

Under coach Gregg Troy (above), Florida returns 11 All-Americans this season on the men’s team and two-time Olympian Elizabeth Beisel to the women.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

UF boasts deep roster heading into 2013

By Logan McGuire | Sep. 16, 2013

Entering the 2013-14 season, coach Gregg Troy has one of the most impressive Florida teams to date.

Chloe Mann jumps to spike the ball during Florida’s four-set victory against Western Michigan in the O’Connell Center on Sept. 14

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida defense lagging behind historic offensive output

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Sep. 15, 2013

Under coach Mary Wise, the Gators are no strangers to high-powered offenses.

Havana Solaun (19) fights for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 win against Oklahoma State on Sept. 6 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators miss on last-second chance, tie Bulls in Tampa

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Sep. 15, 2013

With fewer than 30 seconds left to win the game, Pamela Begic had a choice.