Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Freshman Jonah Braswell competes at the ITA All-American Championships, which concluded play Oct. 8.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Gator freshmen lead the way for men’s tennis in ITA All-American Championships

By Kyle Bumpers | Oct. 10, 2022

Five Gators — Braswell, Nirundorn, Tokac, junior Will Grant and senior Lukas Greif — held spots in the pre-qualifying round, while sophomore Nate Bonetto was placed in qualifying and graduate transfer Axel Nefve automatically advanced to the main draw. The team had three duos — Bonetto/Greif, Grant/Nefve and Nirundorn/Tokac — compete in the doubles qualifying draw.

Florida defenders Ventrell Miller, Brenton Cox Jr. and Gervon Dexter Sr. all combine for a sack of Missouri quarterback Brady Cook Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Miller, Hill pick up slack in Gators Homecoming win

By Joseph Henry | Oct. 10, 2022

On a day when the Florida offense came out sluggish in the first half, the performance of Jaydon Hill and Ventrell Miller are what will be remembered. The Gators defeated the Missouri Tigers Oct. 8 behind Hill's first two career interceptions and Miller's most tackles in a game this season.

Senior forward Tessa Barton (8) and junior defender Josie Curtis (9) stand alongside their teammates before Florida’s match with Arkansas Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Tessa Barton, Josie Curtis find new home in Gators soccer team

By Jackson Reyes | Oct. 10, 2022

Tessa Barton and Josie Curtis found a new home in Gators soccer. The two players committed to play for former Coach Tony Amato, but after just one season in charge, he was let go from UF. Barton and Curtis did not waver and have found new roles under new Head Coach Samantha Bohon.

Florida outside hitter Merritt Beason laid down a 21 kills against the LSU Tigers Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. The performance matches her career high.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

No. 15 Gators outlast LSU in 5 sets to secure weekend sweep

By Ethan Eibe | Oct. 9, 2022

For a moment Sunday afternoon, it seemed the Louisiana State Tigers had solved the riddle of the Florida Gators. Down two sets to none, the Tigers stormed back to force a winner-take-all fifth set. The No. 15 Gators claimed the 15-point finale to win their second game of the weekend (25-18, 26-24, 25-27, 21-25, 15-9) against LSU.

Florida sophomore defender Madison Young with the ball during the Gators' loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida’s comeback hopes fall short against Mizzou

By Jose Tovar | Oct. 9, 2022

UF was determined to snap its worst losing streak in program history. However, a Tigers’ penalty kick goal in the 66th minute was more than enough to shatter Florida’s dream. The Gators extended their skid to eight after falling 3-2 to Mizzou Sunday. With the loss, Florida has now dropped eight matches by a one-goal deficit this season.

Junior libero Elli McKissock earned her 1,000th career dig of her collegiate career during Florida's match with the LSU Tigers Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

No. 15 Gators defeat LSU to open weekend series

By Ethan Eibe | Oct. 9, 2022

The Florida faithful still packed the house to the tune of 3,584 to watch their No. 15 Gators defeat the Louisiana State Tigers three sets to one (25-18, 23-25, 25-19, 27-25) Saturday evening. Head coach Mary Wise said it’s the first home match played on a homecoming Saturday in at least 33 years.

Florida redshirt sophomore cornerback Jaydon Hill returns his first career interception 49 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter of the Gators' win over the Missouri Tigers Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida triumphs over Missouri in career game for Jaydon Hill

By Jackson Castellano | Oct. 8, 2022

The Gators defeated Mizzou 24-17 in the Swamp Saturday afternoon. Florida’s defense came up huge, as head coach Billy Napier’s offense bloomed late in the game. The Gators’ offense picked up 232 of their 297 total yards in the second half.

Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall races up the sideline on his way to the endzone during the Gators' game against Eastern Washington Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida looks to end SEC slide against Missouri on homecoming

By Topher Adams | Oct. 7, 2022

The Gators will look to break its six-game SEC losing streak when it hosts the Tigers Saturday afternoon. It’s also homecoming weekend in the Swamp, further adding to the festivities of Saturday’s game.

Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III during the Tigers' game against Abilene Christian Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Photo by Alexander Daggett of The Maneater.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Know Your Enemy: Missouri Tigers

By Joseph Henry | Oct. 7, 2022

Before either Florida or Missouri claims its first Southeastern Conference win of the season, the Alligator's sports editor Joseph Henry connected with sports editor of the Maneater — the University of Missouri's independent news publication — Brandon Haynes to discuss the eastern division clash.

Fred Biondi shot a team-best 6-under-par 64 in the final round of the Ben Hogan Collegiate Tuesday. The Florida men's golf team finished ninth in the event.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida men’s golf finishes T9 at the Ben Hogan Collegiate

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | Oct. 7, 2022

The Florida men's golf team competed in Fort Worth, Texas, Monday and Tuesday. The Gators were led by senior Fred Biondi's final round 6-under-par 64. The team finished tied for ninth.

Florida senior Annabell Fuller recorded her third straight top-15 finish of the fall at the Windy City Classic. Photo courtesy of the UAA.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida women’s golf team improves in final round of Windy City Classic

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | Oct. 7, 2022

The Florida women’s golf team shot its best round to finish the Windy City Classic on Tuesday at Exmoor Country Club. Senior Annabell Fuller recorded her third straight top-15 finish of the fall.

Senior goalkeeper Francesca Faraci filled in for starting goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg left Florida's match against Arkansas with an injury Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators losing streak hits longest in school history after Arkansas defeat

By Jackson Reyes | Oct. 7, 2022

The Gators were shut out for the fourth straight match after a 1-0 defeat to the No. 9 Razorbacks Thursday night. The loss pushes UF’s losing streak seven matches, the longest in school history.

Freshman setter Alexis Stucky serves against Virginia Aug. 27, 2022.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators volleyball fends off Tennessee in tight road win

By Brandon Hernandez | Oct. 6, 2022

After a 10 day hiatus, No.15 Florida defeated the Tennessee Volunteers three sets to one at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee, Wednesday (26-24, 25-23, 16-25, 25-20).

Guard Kowacie Reeves (left) and forward Colin Castleton (right) celebrate during Florida's win over Iona in the first round of the NIT March 16, 2022. Both players will be centerpieces of the 2022-2023 team under new head coach Todd Golden.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

New faces, new season: Gators basketball gears up for 2023

By Jackson Castellano | Oct. 4, 2022

Just seven months ago the Gators men's basketball team had no coach, no exciting prospects and no signs of success on the near horizon. However, inside the gym at Florida’s first preseason practices this week, things looked very different. It all starts with new head coach Todd Golden.

Florida redshirt freshman quarterback Jalen Kitna saw his first action as a Gator Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. He completed eight passes for 152 yards and a touchdown against Eastern Washington.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators rout Eastern Washington, get back in the win column

By Joseph Henry | Oct. 2, 2022

Florida defeated EWU 52-17 Sunday afternoon inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Gators looked dominant in each phase of the game on the way to their largest margin of victory this season. Offensively it was a balanced attack; UF complimented 392 passing yards with 274 yards on the ground.

Florida freshman running back Trevor Etienne celebrates a late game touchdown with his offensive line during the Gators' game against South Florida Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators hopeful for return to winning ways against Eastern Washington

By Jackson Castellano | Oct. 1, 2022

Florida has an opportunity to move above .500 and showcase its peak form Sunday against Eastern Washington. The responsibility falls on the Gators to seize it.

Florida junior defender Josie Curtis throws the ball into play during the Gators' match against South Florida Sept. 1, 2021.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators attack falls flat to drop match against South Carolina

By Jackson Reyes | Sep. 30, 2022

The Gators lost Thursday night’s match to No. 22 South Carolina Gamecocks 1-0. UF junior goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg recorded seven saves, but it was not enough to avoid defeat. Florida has now been shutout in three straight matches.

Florida men's tennis head coach Bryan Shelton. His team, represented by four players, saw its first action this past weekend in Nashville, Tennessee.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Nefve and Grant lead the Gators, wrap up their first tournament of the season

By Kyle Bumpers | Sep. 28, 2022

Florida had four players represent the team at the Commodore Invitational in Nashville — Intercollegiate Tennis Association ranked No. 91 Nate Bonetto, Will Grant, Lukas Greif and No. 34 Axel Nefve — each competing in singles and doubles play.

Coach Billy Napier walks through a crowd of fans during Gator Walk Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida football postpones game to Sunday

By Topher Adams | Sep. 27, 2022

Florida announced Saturday’s football game against the Eastern Washington Eagles is postponed to Sunday at noon due to Hurricane Ian. The move comes after UF canceled classes Wednesday through Friday this week due to the storm.

Florida senior Emma Shelton practices at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex in Gainesville, Florida.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Shelton and De Oliveira earn title victories in their season debuts

By Zachary Curtin | Sep. 26, 2022

Senior Emma Shelton and sophomore Emily De Oliveira showed out for Florida as they claimed titles in the Bedford Cup.