The Florida Gators are set to open the 2022 season on Saturday with a matchup against Kennesaw State at Donald R. Disney Stadium. Expectations are high for a team that finished last year with an 18-3 record a year ago and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals.
The following is a preview of the 2022 Florida Gators lacrosse team:
2021 Recap
Florida once again swept its conference slate by going 10-0 in AAC play and then winning a pair of games in the conference tournament to earn another league title. The Gators dropped just two games in the regular season, including one against the nation’s No. 1 team, North Carolina. Led by the one-two punch of Shannon Kavanagh and Brianna Harris, whom tallied 97 and 95 points, respectively, Florida cruised past most of their opponents until dropping an Elite 8 matchup at Syracuse to end the season last May.
2022 Preseason Rankings
Florida opens the season as the favorites to win the American Athletic Conference in the preseason coaches poll. Florida received five of the six first place votes. Additionally, the Gators open the year ranked No. 7 nationally, according to the ILWCA.
- #1 AAC Preseason Coaches Poll
- #7 ILWCA Preseason Poll
2022 Players to Watch
G Sarah Reznick – 2022 Preseason All-American (2nd Team). Names to Tewaarton Award Watch List. Led the nation in save percentage (.567) and goals against average (6.42) last year. Also named AAC Goalkeeper of the Year as a freshman in 2021.
M Danielle Pavinelli – Made 18 starts in 2021 and recorded 30 goals and 7 assists. A 2021 All-AAC selection (Second Team) and the Freshman of the Year in the conference.
M Paisley Eagan – Preseason All-AAC. Finished 2022 with 32 goals on just 58 shots and 6 assists.
M Emily Heller – Preseason All-AAC. Scored 12 goals and 2 assists in 20 games as a sophomore in 2021.
D Emma Wrightman – AAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Second Team All-AAC in 2021. Recorded 31 groundballs and 24 caused turnovers.
D Becky Browndorf – Preseason All-AAC selection. Caused 16 turnovers and recorded 18 groundballs.
Florida and Kennesaw State open the 2022 season on Saturday at 1:00 PM from Disney Stadium.