With 5:08 remaining, Danielle Pavinelli assisted on a goal to Emma LoPinto and put the Gators up 13-1 over Old Dominion. In any other game like this one, the assist would’ve been just another step to what had been a one-sided blowout. On Thursday, it was history.
The assist marked Pavinelli’s 100th point of her career. The sophomore standout becomes just the 19th Gator ever to reach the mark and the first since Lindsey Ronbeck tallied 107 in 2019. The record-book worthy moment was the highlight of Florida’s domination against the Monarchs.
Florida (9-4, 2-0 AAC) defeated Old Dominion (5-9, 0-2 AAC) 22-6 on Thursday in a dominating performance. The Gators move their winning streak to seven games and uphold their undefeated conference record with the victory.
Things got going quickly for Florida per usual. Emily Heller notched the first goal of the game for the Gators in just 45 seconds. Old Dominion scored early on a free position goal to make the score 2-1, before the UF offense got to steamrolling.
Five different Gators scored goals in the first half, with Emily LoPinto’s two scores leading the charge. Pavinelli grabbed a goal and two assists to reach the historical mark in the first. By the end of the first half, Florida had total control of momentum with an 8-1 lead to boot.
“It’s been awesome playing with [Pavinelli],” LoPinto said. “I definitely think we’ve grown together, and playing with her is an honor. We’re always looking out for each other. It’s been awesome.”
The second half of game felt like a scrimmage. The officials decided to let the clock run continuously in the second half while head coach Amanda O’Leary subbed out each of the starters, taking advantage of the opportunity to get a look at her reserves.
The bench group took advantage of their opportunity just the same, going on a tear in the second half.
Ten reserves accounted for 13 goals as Florida waltzed to victory. Old Dominion managed a small three goal run in the fourth quarter, but the Gators matched their total, proving just how dominant they were over the Monarchs.
“I thought we played very well from start to finish” O’Leary said. “Our players came off the bench and were just outstanding. We saw a big team win right there.”
Up next, Florida travels to Nashville for some more conference play against Vanderbilt. First draw is set for Saturday, April 16 at 12:30 p.m.